CONFIDENTIAL
STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE
of office expires in October 1971 and there is bound to be speculation in Hong Kong that the question of the succession will be discussed and settled during his time here. There might therefore be concern and disappointment at the lack of news if the visit did not lead to an early announcement.
There is also
no Hong Kong objection to the announcement being made during the Governor's absence.
6. But it is also necessary to ensure that the Danish end is
properly handled. Mr. MacLehose is not worried that an early
announcement would leave him a lame duck. And there is also force
in his point that the Danes should not come to hear of his departure as a result of leaks or speculation.
As the risk of
premature disclosure will be high during the Governor's visit, it would be sensible to counter it by making the announcement soon after Mr. MacLehose has returned to Copenhagen towards the end of the month and has had an opportunity to give advance warning to the Danish Government in strict confidence.
7. In short the time that best fits the Hong Kong considerations 'while at the same time meeting Mr. MacLehose's point would be at the beginning of November. The time prior to Mr. MacLehose's departure on leave on 3 October is a possible alternative but it is a second best since it would mean foregoing the advantage of being able to make the announcement appear to flow from the visit of Sir D. Trench and Mr. MacLehose to this country.
8.
Furthermore, although Mr. MacLehose is comparatively relaxed about the effect on the Danes of an early announcement of his
/withdrawal
CONFIDENTIAL STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE
!