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Cle 278
Your reference
Our reference
C Leeks Esq
Hong Kong Department
FCO
MKK 243/SDate
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
28 AUG 1985
Dear Clinton
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
RIISTRY
PA
Action, Taken
Le
UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE IN HONG KONG
1.
રે
Paz83/5
22 August 1985
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Spoke Woodhouse
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You telephoned recently to let us know that Peter Meijer, the UNHCR Deputy Chargé in Hong Kong, had called to let you know that the Representative, Mrs Lasan, was about to be replaced by Fazlul Karim. You asked us to find out a bit more about him.
2. Karim is not known to anybody in the Mission but the following are the views of close contacts within UNHCR. Karim is in his mid-40s. He has been with UNHCR for some 12 years having joined after a spell in the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His most recent appointment has been as Head of Mission in New Delhi. This was a difficult appointment as he has had a tough time persuading the Indians to provide Afghans with living conditions. The UNHCR considers he did
a good job in India.
3. He is known to be a good negotiator and easy to talk to. He is open minded and not stubborn. He might not be the best operational manager in the organisation but makes up for this by his skill in diplomacy. In short my contacts in UNHCR believe him to be a good appointment for Hong Kong.
4. I did not let on as to what Meijer had said about Karim but it is clear that Meijer has a distinct chip on his shoulder. He has not enjoyed working for a woman and he certainly wanted Lasan's job. He is known to have a rather high opinion of himself.
5. You also mentioned that Mrs Toscani might have been in the running for the post. This was true. She had wanted the job and had in fact received the High Commissioner's nod but in the event she volunteered for a post in Gambela and has been there since April this year.
6. You will appreciate that there are sensitivities when discussing the quality of individuals with members of UNHCR. The comments above were given to me in strict confidence and although I have no objection if you wanted to forward the gist to Hong Kong I would ask that you stress to them the confidentiality of the information.
Your ever Brian
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B D Adams
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