TNAG-2699-FCO40-3905-Hong-Kong-Civil-Service-appointments-and-promotions-1993 — Page 28

HKA 431

431/1

REC

EX

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

-5 FEB 1993

L9 FEL 1993

FROM: N C G Whitney

Hong Kong Department

CISTRY

Action luken

DATE: 5 February 1993

cc: Sir J Coles

Mr Hum o/r

Mr Ricketts

PS/Mr Goodlad

mimiter

As 6/2. Аз

Tel ser

fed

pa

HONG KONG: APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

Problem

A 1. The Hong Kong Government wish to appoint Mr D F Watson as

Commissioner of Customs and Excise.

Recommendation

2.

I recommend that Mr Goodlad approve the appointment, and that we steer Hong Kong towards localisation sooner rather than

later.

Background and Arqument

3.

The Secretary of State's approval is required under Colonial Regulation 19 for certain appointments within the Hong Kong Government (HKG) and Hong Kong Judiciary. In practice, the Secretary of State's personal approval is sought only for the most senior positions. Other appointments are approved at the AUS/departmental level, or by the Minister if the appointment is likely to be controversial.

Traditionally, the post of Commissioner, Customs and Excise has been held by a non-professional officer who has not worked

4.

ps.minu.ADM

SLM

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

00

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