《No, Minister.(存一下英文版)》用其他笔名

18、[Interlude] S01E01.5 Alistair's Minute

　　Minute
　　Cabinet Office
　　Ref: CO/DSC/APS/IDISM/Note/80-01
　　To: Sir Albert Sackville, Cabinet Secretary
　　From: A. Cavendish, Acting Permanent Secretary, DSC
　　Date: 24 January 1980
　　Subject: Brief on Progress of DSC's First Inter-Departmental Information Sharing Meeting
　　Sir Albert,
　　The Department of Synergy Coordination has convened its first inter-departmental information sharing discussion. Attending departments have agreed in principle to establish a Dedicated Liaison Officer for Information Notification (DLO) mechanism as a fixed communication channel between the DSC and each department, with the DSC compiling a 'Whitehall Information-Flow Overview' and organising quarterly informal teas. We have not sought, nor have we imposed, any mandatory sharing commitments.
　　Note - for your eyes only:
　　During his justification for not sharing military data, Major Sampson of the MoD used the example of a delay in a South Atlantic patrol vessel's return to port due to budget and maintenance coordination issues, implying that budget cuts are endangering defence and affecting military operations. This may be the MoD using a public forum to apply pressure on the Treasury, or it may be mere routine complaint with no deeper meaning. Alternatively, although the South Atlantic is not a current public focus of military concern, it is not impossible that the MoD has an undisclosed vigilance regarding the situation there, and that a compromised patrol capability has raised internal concerns. This is currently marked as 'Observation Only' and has not been extrapolated upon. I await your direction.
　　A brief for the Prime Minister's Office has been prepared, emphasising the constructive atmosphere of the meeting and the consensus reached on the coordination mechanism. The wording is positive but not exaggerated, in line with No. 10's public relations needs for the coalition's coordinated operation.
　　Minister Hyde's resistance to bureaucratic procedure has softened after an initial collision and he is beginning to try to understand the logic of Whitehall's operations.
　　The above is an informal report. Should you wish to discuss further, I am at your disposal.
　　A. Cavendish
　　Sir Albert's reply (returned by messenger):
　　Ally,
　　Keep the public line positive but not excessive. Avoid creating new formal mechanisms or unnecessary expectations.
　　Keep the text for No. 10 short and steady. Attachments kept to a minimum.
　　I have noted the coordination issue. Handle it as you see fit. Inform me verbally first of any signs of escalation.
　　Hyde's shift is welcome progress. Continue to guide him. Avoid a confrontation with the PM or Chancellor at Cabinet.
　　A.S. 24.01.80