}
H.K.D.N.
13.12.76
H.K.E.J.
13.12.76
16
The papers also quoted reliable sources in London as saying Sir Michael would likely be Sir Murray's
successor.
Further quoting the sources, a few papers said that the period of extension would have to depend on the availability of a successor.
months.
Some papers, however, said the extension of Sir Murray's tour would only be for six
Earlier, there had been speculation that Mr. George Thomson, a Labour politician, might be Hong Kong's next Governor after Sir Murray's retirement next year.
Seven papers during the week under review commented on the possible extension of Sir Murray's term and the appointment of a new Governor. Two of them said an extension of Sir Murray's term would greatly benefit Hong Kong.
The other papers said no matter who the next Governor would be, he must work for the benefit of the local population and keep Hong Kong's economic situation stable.
The following are extracts from the editorials:
Like many people in Hong Kong, we hope Sir Murray will stay on in Hong Kong and continue with his work. At a time when many long-term projects are at their early stages of development, we think Hong Kong needs Sir Murray......... under such circumstances, an extension of Sir Murray's term will definitely be advantageous to the progress of Hong Kong.
Present arrangements seem to indicate that Sir Murray is likely to stay on. From this, we can at least see that the British Government is adopting a more positive attitude towards Hong Kong and is working for closer links with us.
Whether Sir Murray will stay on or not is not of much importance to the people of Hong Kong because Government policies will not be drastically changed unless a Labour politician takes over the reins of the Government.
Murray.
We think it is possible that Sir Murray will stay on.
Firstly, the British Government thinks highly of the performance of Sir
Secondly, he and the Labour Government might have already come to an understanding that it would be easier for a diplomat with no political ties to promote moderate social reforms in Hong Kong than a politician. For a politician would easily arouse resentment from the local population and neighbouring powers if he was put in charge of introducing reforms.