TNAG-2404-FCO40-3491-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1992 — Page 151

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

DA

23

Mr Seear NPDD

HKA 062/2

ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES (RCDS) 1993

1.

W22

Thank you for your minute of 7 Máy, the original copy of which went astray. Hence the slight delay in replying.

2.

The

We are very concerned to learn that Hong Kong features amongst the list of suggested cuts, albeit as a reserve. Hong Kong Government have in mind a particularly worthy candidate this year in Richard Hoare, who has done an excellent job as Private Secretary to two Governors (it will be three by the time the course begins). It would be extremely disappointing (not to say embarrassing) not to be able to confirm a place for him this year.

3.

The Hong Kong Government attach considerable importance to the RCDS course. They are most grateful to have been offered a place every year since 1988. The outstanding members of the Administrative Service and Police who have attached have found the course extremely useful in preparing them for higher responsibilities.

4. If all nine places in the suggested list were to be cut, it seems comparatively harsh on the Far East, which would lose half of the regional places allocated as well as the floating place originally reserved for Japan.

5. I very much hope that the threat to cut Hong Kong's place on the 1993 RCDS course does not materialise. I would observe that Hong Kong pays for its place: this could be a deciding factor if cuts, beyond those in the contingency plan, are necessary.

Kivhebettz

P F Ricketts

Hong Kong Department

WH 302

15 May 1992

270 2650

CC: Mr Davies, FED

SISADH

Spoke to

Mr bish, NPDD (3152).

NPAD

Drastic cuts be were possibly expecting did not take place. An invitation

be on its

should

way

to HK. We should receive

of letter to HK

a copy, any

Bur

time now

2/7/92

(Ironically, Mr Bish's

CONFIDENTIAL minute covering copy

of letter to HK arrived 2 hrs later. En 2/7)