TNAG-2598-FCO40-3786-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 112

DECLARATION TO BE SIGNED AFTER BRIEFING FOR COMMUNICATIONS INTELLIGENCE

1.

I have today been briefed on Communications Intelligence (Comint).

2.

Confidential

HVCCO.

I appreciate that this is very sensitive intelligence, which is subject indefinitely to the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 and may be discussed only among those who have been similarly briefed: that it must therefore be handled in special channels and that the need for reticence will continue after I have ceased to have access to Comint. I also understand that no action may be taken on Comint without specific approval from GCHQ.

3. I have also been told that travel to certain countries, the appended list of which has been drawn to my attention today, poses special risks for those who currently are, or recently have been, in possession of Comint information, and that it is therefore customary for Ministers who have been indoctrinated for Comint to consult the appropriate Permanent Secretary, or, for other Members of Parliament, the Secretary of the Cabinet, before making a visit (private or official) to any of those countries.