TNAG-1587-FCO40-2171-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-1986 — Page 32

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FUTURE STAFFING OF HONG KONG

1.

We read Mr Amy's account of his recent visit to Hong Kong with interest. We agree with his views on the delicate question of starting-up our own Consular operation in Hong Kong comfortably in advance of the hand-over. Timing is clearly critical; 1993/94 would seem realistic dates.

2.

In particular, we support Mr Amy's insistence that our Consular operation in Hong Kong should fall to the Diplomatic Service and that any attempts by the Home Office claim to it should be firmly restricted. On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong will assume the status of a foreign country within which we shall be offering the full range of usual Consular services. It would be quite anomalous and indeed set a dangerous precedent - if the Home Office were allowed to staff Post with a preponderance of their own personnel. We should reject any suggestion that there might be any comparison with eg. entry clearance work in the Indian Sub-Continent. Quite apart from their experience of Consular work Diplomatic Service Officers are likely to be more sensitive to the possible political nuances of what may appear to be straightforward consular cases.

3. It is difficult at this stage to estimate what staffing levels will be required, but we must assume a sizeable British Community after 1 July 1997 (I have seen a figure of 10,000 in an Economist article), some at least of whose relatives overseas (eg. prisoners) will be an added responsibility for the Consulate-General. Perhaps our Mission in Hong Kong could set about compiling some estimates of numbers involved? It would incidentally be useful to know in due course which EC and Commonwealth countries will maintain Consulates after 1997 since we may well be asked to provide consular assistance for their nationals.

5 June 1986

N.R.

NR Jarrold

Consular Department CL602 213 5343

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- 9 JUN 1986

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