TNAG-2960-FCO40-4239-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-building-incl-1993 — Page 81

Chief Clerk PS/Mr Goodlad

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DATE: 1 April 1993

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HONG KONG: NEW CONSULATE-GENERAL

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1.

It is apparent from Mr Bertram's submission of 31 March (below) that there are still a number of uncertainties capable of affecting the design of the Consulate-General. A review by the MRS of future staffing is underway. This could affect our judgement on the ideal establishment of the Consulate-General, even though this has already been exhaustively discussed over a period of years. The British Council are also reviewing their own requirements: this is particularly necessary as they do not have funds available to meet their share of costs exceeding the original PES provision.

2. I have discussed these factors with Mr Bertram. He believes that the current degree of uncertainty is manageable at this stage of the project. In his view it is important that we should be able to go ahead soon with our approach to the Treasury if the overall timing of the project is not to slip. We shall soon take possession of the site in Hong Kong and begin with site clearance. This first stage of activity on the site is not however affected by the continuing review of our requirements.

3. Where our use of space in the building is concerned, we have some flexibility: in particular it would be possible to bring the OED's Procurement Unit back into the building to take advantage of any space released as a result of the current review. If more significant changes in the use of space were

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