TNAG-2663-FCO40-3859-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General.-With-photogra-1992 — Page 23

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

Background

3. (i) Early in 1989, OED was tasked to secure appropriate

accommodation for the new Senior British Trade

Commissioner-designate, Mr Heap, so that he could adopt a higher profile than his predecessors, commensurate with the enhanced

grading of the Post, the importance attaching to Hong Kong, and

with a view to the new property being used by SBTCS until 1997,

and perhaps thereafter, if we failed to acquire a new Residence

for the Consul-General by then.

(ii) In June 1989 the Albany penthouse flat was selected from a

a short list of available properties because it came closest (by far) to meeting the requirements. Fitting-out was undertaken in

liaison with OED, Post, Mr and Mrs Heap and The Crown Suppliers

in Hong Kong at a cost of approximately £156,000.

The Heaps

moved in in November 1989 (and the Galsworthys subsequently

moved into the terrace house on the Peak vacated by the Heaps).

The lease runs to 1995 and contains an option to renew: it may

be assigned, but not broken. The present rent is about £156,000 p.a. including service charges.

(iii) OED understands that The Albany flat has fulfilled its living and representational purposes, meeting a heavy entertainment demand since occupation. Numerous visitors, including Ministers, have passed through it, without recorded

criticism.

4.

Shortly after he arrived in Hong Kong Mr Day reported that

he found the flat extravagant, lacking in any "British"

character, and his entertaining load was light. Furthermore, the environment is unsympathetic from his wife's health point of

view. He recommended an early move.

hk.res.JM

SLM

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE