STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
the next eighteen months or so which are
bricky
f
likely to be very direet. Second, and
this is perhaps rather a corrollary of the first, it is of fundamental
importance to our position in Hong Kong
that we should inspire and maintain
public confidence in the Colony. In
view of the real trust which the Chinese
inhabitants in particular repose in
Sir David, an extension of his term of
office would in present circumstances be
regarded locally- and elsewhere
How
as
reassurance of the continuing steadfastness of our policy there. [Third, the
traditional source of Colonial Governors,
the Overseas Service, has virtually dried
up and an additional year's grace would give us valuable time to consider
the next appointment which, in the
history of the Colony is likely to be a
we have Hind
Third
crucial one.] Fourth, the Colonial Secretary in Hong Kong is to be offered7
the post of High Commissioner for the
Western Pacific when the present High
Commissioner, Sir Robert Foster, is
transferred to Fiji at the end of this
year. In the present circumstances there
would be obvious dangers to Hong Kong if
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/both
We need no larger feel anxiety over his health, which
caused we concern
last autumn: he is
obnously fit again.
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