TNAG-2597-FCO40-3785-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 6

Reference.......

CONFIDENTIAL

file

Mr Morris o/r

MR PATTEN'S LONDON HOUSE: SECURITY

1. PC Scott (553D) of the Metropolitan Police Diplomatic Protection Group (6th floor, Cannon Row Police Station, Victoria Embankment, London SW1 : telephone 071 321-7111) made contact with us in August about the level of protection they accord to the Governor's house in London. The immediate problem had been a couple of false soundings of the burglar alarm.

2.

I spoke to Miss Shepherd at Government House about this and was then able to advise the DPG that the house is normally occupied by a friend of the Pattens, Miss Helen James. She was in Hong Kong at the time, so we gave the DPG telephone numbers for her boyfriend, Mr Stephen Baird (071 236 8811), and for the neighbours at No 48, Mr and Mrs Libby (071 828 0923). I think that there is also a porter usually available.

3.

I agreed with the DPG that during Mr Patten's absence there was no need for them to intervene automatically whenever the alarm sounded: it would be sufficient for the local police station to take this on. However if Mr Patten intended to stay at the house when visiting London, we would advise the DPG in advance so that they could provide a full

service.

In due course you may wish to check what the Governor's plans are for his London trip in November: I suppose the HKGO may know already.

4.

More.

N J Cox

Hong Kong Department

4 September 1992

gov.police/MISC/njc

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

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