STANDARD
23 Sept 1970
Peking will have say
on Trench's
successor
By CHRIS WONG
TALKS in Peking next month may decide Hongkong's
next Governor.
Political observers say China's wish will strongly influence a British Government decision. This is particularly so when both Governments are anxious to improve relations which have been impaired in recent years.
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Reliable sources say the coming visit to Peking by a high British Government official will be a "test case to see what China wants.
Mr John Albert Morgan, head of the Far Eastern Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will attend the October 1 celebration in Peking.
He will come to Hongkong on October 3 for a few days to confer with the Governor Sir David Trench, on many vital issues, including Sir David's successor.
Sir David, who goes on leave next month, will retire in October next year.
A source close to the Government said that while in Peking, Mr Morgan will confer with the Chinese Government about the next Hongkong Governor.
It said Mr Morgan is the British Conservative Government's man to select the candidates for the Hongkong governorship.
Decisive choice
Although his job is only to recommend, observers believe his choice is decisive.
The source said the next Governor will definitely be a diplomat and not an administrator.
It ruled out the two most talked-about possible candidates
the C'olonial Secretary, Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, and his predecessor, Sir Michael Gass now High Commissioner for Western Pacific Islands,
Sir Hugh goes out of calculation because of his ill-health. Due back early next week, he has been in England for three months, reportedly undergoing medical check-up.
Sir Michael is being ruled out because he has proved himself to be an administrator rather than a diplomat.
Significantly, Mr Anthony Royle, the Undersecretary of State in charge of Hongkong affairs, will be coming here next month for talks with the Hongkong Government.
A Government spokesman yesterday confirmed that Mr Royle will be here early in October.
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Apart from conferring with Sir David on the next Governor, he is expected to meet Legislative and Urban Councillors on the local government reform issue.
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