advice which is still in my estimation required.
The post
was then abolished; but I believe something like that is still needed. It seems to me to require somebody who has himself served as a Governor (but if possible somebody who also understands the outlook from Whitehall) if he is to speak with the requisite authority and if his advice is to command the confidence of the men in the field. It also seems to me that such a person could provide a vital link between Governors and Ministers in London as well as with the Departmental Officers who come fresh to this kind of work without experience of operating in a dependent territory.
I realise of course the shrinking extent and importance of dependent territories in the overall responsibilities of the FCO but they still pose difficult and complex problems of policy and administration which require the same degree of experience and skill as they did before. I feel obliged to draw attention to this difficulty which I am now seeing again from the sharp end after an interval of years. Having thought such a post was necessary when I was in London, I hold that view just as strongly now that I am in the field again; and I believe this is a view shared by my gubernatorial colleagues.
In his reply to my letter Richard Luce suggested I might propound my views "to the Department". I was not sure where to aim this arrow but I'm sure that you will redirect it if necessary.
Aie
Richard Posnett
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