TNAG-1115-FCO40-1387-Future-staffing-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 33

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Generally, he is required to maintain public order and security,

assist the administration of justice, support public and private

financial and commercial integrity, and advance the economic and

social development of the country. Specifically, numerous duties are laid upon him in various fields by the Constitution, and

directives from the Secretary of State. In territories where

capital punishment is retained, the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is delegated to him. He needs to have political sense, tact and decisiveness bracketed with a keen interest in constitutional relationships and in all aspects of Government and public administration

3. Some of the skills and experience required are different from

those of a diplomat, but the standard required is equally high.

It is as important that high-calibre officers be selected for such office in the Dependent Territories, as for normal mainstream Diplomatic Service work. There is no reason why a Diplomatic

Service officer should not include service in a Dependent Territory

as part of a worthwhile mainstream career.

Earlier Proposals

4.

A number of solutions have been proposed in the past. None has

prospered mainly because the problem was not then as immediately

pressing as it is today. The most elaborate proposal was for the

creation of a Dependent Territories Administrative Branch of the

Diplomatic Service, which was to have been an occupational group

administered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to which officers

from the Diplomatic Service or the Home Civil Service could be

seconded as required for service in Dependent Territories. The

proposal was announced in the House of Lords in April 1973.

Negotiations in Whitehall resulted in agreement only for terms

and conditions comparable to those of the Home Civil Service or the

Diplomatic Service, but without the career prospects of either.

This was insufficient to attract suitable candidates. At the end

of 1973, plans for the Branch were abandoned. The refusal of Hong

Kong to participate was another major factor.

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