STAFF - IN CONFIDENCE
important sterling considerations which come down on the
side of continuity. It is of fundamental importance to
our position in Hong Kong that we should inspire and
maintain public: confidence both in the stability and
continuing prosperity of the Colony itself and in our
ability to maintain the value of Hong Kong's sterling
In view of the real trust which the Chinese
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balances.
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inhabitants in particular repose in Sir David, an
extension of his term of office would in present
circumstances be regarded locally and elsewhere - 59
reassurance of the continuing steadfastness of our policies
while a break at this particular time might be an upsetting
factor. Third, we have just offered Michael Gass, the
Colonial Secretary in Hong Kong, the post of High Comai ssioner
for the Western Pacific when the present High Commissioner,
Sir Robert Foster, is transferred to Fiji at the end of this
year. We are drafting in a new and strong successor,
Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, who will be both Colonial Secretary
and also take over the new post of Deputy Governor to
strengthen the administration. In the present circumstances
there would be obvious dangers to Hong Kong if both the
Governor and his second-in-command were to leave the Colony
within a few weeks of each other.
Although Sir David Trench's commission does not expire
until next Spring, there in already considerable local
/pressure