TNAG-2393-FCO40-3479-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 17

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In the small Territories, where there is provision for only

one member of the Governor's personal staff, this officer

may perform the duties both of Private Secretary and

Aide-de-Camp. (In some Territories the services of a

military or police officer are secured for any special occasion, such as a review, and this officer would attend

the Governor as a temporary Aide-de-Camp.)

When a Territory makes a substantial move towards internal

self-government or independence it is appropriate for a

Personal Assistant (Secretary) to be seconded from the

Diplomatic Service.

The duties of a Private Secretary or (Personal Assistant in

FCO terms) may include: -

a. cyphering and de-cyphering, or the coding and

de-coding, of telegrams from and to the Governor which

are not dealt with in other Government Offices,

particularly in smaller Territories where there is no

cypher office.

b. Handling all confidential and/or personal

correspondence of the Governor.

c. preparation of the despatches forwarding the

Governor's recommendations for Honours.

d. filing and forwarding of the Governor's confidential

reports on officers.

e. safe custody of cyphers and other classified

documents, and the preparation of annual despatches reporting their safe custody.

f. supervision of the staff of the Governor's office.

g. control of official expenditure of Government House.

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