TNAG-2660-FCO40-3856-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-1992 — Page 35

Final

Autodraw

CONFIDENTIAL .

Marlox

For approval. I

22/n will then clear with

CONSUL GENERAL'S RESIDENCE: RECORD OF MEETING HELD ON

12 JUNE

1.

Mr. Bertram.

Moocher 19/6.

Mr Hum held a meeting to discuss this subject with

Mr Bertram (OED), Mr Cox, Mr Morris and Mr Woodrow (HKD). 2. Mr Bertram began by giving a general background. He said

that the present Senior British Trade Commissioner, Mr Day,

was accommodated in an apartment in one of the most exclusive buildings in Hong Kong, owned by Swire Properties. The apartment had been taken on in 1989 with the intention of keeping it until a suitable residence was found for the

future Consul-General. The apartment was in good condition and well located, but Mr Day had taken a strong dislike to t,

its interior decoration.

3.

At the end of last year the Hong Kong Government

as produced a list of 3 houses which could be suitable for the

future Consul-General's residence. OED had considered the

properties but found none suitable as they did not provide

adequate representation accommodation. Lord Caithness had then floated the idea of the Hong Kong Government giving us Victoria House, currently the residence of the Chief Secretary, but this had been turned down by the Governor who

had suggested instead Headquarters House, residence of the

Commander British Forces. Mr Galsworthy had opposed this idea because the building was part of the Military Estate and would therefore be wanted by the Chinese Military after

1997. Mr Hum agreed with this view and said that he was not

All the resent up k now in favour of pursuing Headquarters House time no other suitable property had been identified. But Mr_Bertram felt that there was no desperate hurry, as the Albany apartment could be used as a fall-back if necessary. Mr Hum said that we should have another look at what was

ридир available in Hong Kong. Mr Day would have different views from those held by his predecessor. However Mr Dạy should first be given a couple of months to settle down before we

asked him to have another look.

and

JH4ABF/1

SLM

CONFIDENTIAL