TNAG-1203-FCO40-1505-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 111

VOLUME 8

1.1

TERMS

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CHAPTER 1

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS IN THE FCO

1.1

1.4

There is no single expression that fully describes every territory dependent on the United Kingdom and under the ultimate control of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The term "(UK) Dependent Territory" is, however, generally acceptable and it is not as unpopular in the places themselves as other terms and is adequately descriptive as a colloquial expression. The terms "colony" or "colonial" should be avoided although the regulations relating to the business of DTs are still entitled "Colonial Regulations".

1.2

1.2.1

1.2.2

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY

Dependent Territories' work in the FCO, and particularly in geographical Departments, is different from almost all other types of work that an FCO desk officer might be given. DT geographical Departments deal with what are in effect Heads both of State and of Government and their staff, as distinct from dealing with other Governments through the intermediary of an Ambassador or High Commissioner. An Officer Administering the Government (OAG) is ultimately responsible to the British Government through the Secretary of State but the OAG will invariable have been given very wide powers which are detailed in this Volume. Instructions cannot be given to an OAG in the same way that they can be given to an Ambassador.

Departments should consult the appropriate DT geographical Department about matters concerning an individual DT. DT General Section, Hong Kong and General Department is responsible for questions affecting all DTs.

1.3

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE QAG

The special position of a DT and its Government, and the unique position of its OAG, must at all times colour the attitude towards them of the FCO as a whole, and especially the geographical Department dealing with that territory's affairs. The geographical Department provides a bridge between the territory and the UK Government and between the OAG and the Secretary of State and other Ministers. This does not mean that proposals of the OAG or of the government of the DT should not be critically examined, nor that on proper occasions Ministers should not be advised to modify or reject them. But all such proposals are to be treated with respect, with support whenever reasonable, and with sympathy even if not acceptable. Whenever proposals of any kind are made from the FCO, unless it is known from previous correspondence or discussion with the OAG that they have his agreement, it must be remembered that the OAG is in the best position to judge their desirability or even feasibility within his territory: he must be invited to act in the matter only if he sees no objection.

1.4

STYLES OF ADDRESS

1.4.1

Within his own Territory an OAG is addressed as "Your Excellency" and referred to as "His

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October 1978

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