TNAG-1255-FCO40-1588-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 94

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEX B

INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT FORMAT

All briefs should be laid out in the same way with a top page in accordance with the specimen layout at Annex C. Those preparing briefs should pay particular attention to ensuring that the following instructions are fully observed:

Content

(a) Briefs should be concise. Each brief should if possible be no

more than two sides long.

(b) The main body of each brief should comprise three sections: a

very brief statement of the United Kingdom Objective

(normally no more than a couple of lines); a concise list of Points to Make; and a factual Background section which distin- guishes clearly between information which can be freely used and information which should not be disclosed.

(c) Briefs should be complete and self-contained with all the

information required on that particular subject. Briefs should not be divided into separate self-contained sub- sections.

Layout

(d) Briefs should be typed in double spacing, using both sides of

the paper.

Pages should be numbered at the foot of each page.

(e) As shown in the specimen at Annex C, the top page only of each brief should contain the following details: the symbol and number of the brief in the top left-hand corner (eg CMV (83) 10) with the date of circulation below: a copy number in red at the top right-hand corner; the visit heading; the title of the brief (in capitals) and the name of the Department responsible.

(f) At the foot of the last page and on the left-hand side, briefs

should bear the name of the originating Government Department and the date of origin.

Reproduction

(g) Briefs should be reproduced throughout on white paper, with

each page bearing a security classification at top and bottom (as in Annex C). Care should be taken that the reproduction method employed results in clear readable copies.

(h) It is important that, on arrival at the Cabinet Office, briefs

should be complete in all detail - collated, stapled and copy numbered and ready for immediate circulation.

1

CONFIDENTIAL