TNAG-1412-FCO40-1888-Future-of-Hong-Kong-future-meetings-of-the-Sino-British-Join-1985 — Page 6

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

(b) Having spoken to Tony Galsworthy, it is clear

to me that it would be difficult for Hong Kong Department to bring out a desk officer to help Tom Smith in the supporting role which recently in London took up the time of two of the Department's desk officers.

3. I should be most grateful for confirmation that you can live with a week's extension beyond the notional date for Tom Smith's replacement that we agreed when I put the case to you for a second mid-tour leave for him.

4. Separately, Tom Smith has asked whether, as he will reach promotion age for First Secretary in November and as from then until he leaves post he will be doing a Grade 5

(Blunt's) job, he might be promoted then. This seems a reasonable proposition to me. Could I ask you to give it favourable consideration?

cc: A C Galsworthy Esc HONG KONG DEPT FCO

TU

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

B Thomson.