Chief Clerk
Сс
for.
Mr Stepert or.
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Dean.
Токи
576.
31
THE GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG
1.
I attach extracts from a review of comments in the Hong Kong press for the period 8 - 14 December. As you will see there has been an upsurge of speculation about the Governor's appointment. This suggests to me that an early announcement about the extension of Sir M MacLehose's term is desirable.
Is this
2. As I understand the position Sir M MacLehose considers that his appointment should end in April, that the intention was to extend his term to April 1979 (ie by 18 months) but the Prime Minister has so far only agreed to a year's extension. correct? If so I suggest that we announce soon the extension by a year. We can always announce a further six months extension if and when this is agreed.
29 December 1976
Himo Coly's
HAH Cortazzi
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have since seen tel No 1285 from.
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Senekal Hong Kong (copy attached) which suggests that an distribution Announcement will be enade soon:
de soon: You Dim still like to me the enclosure-
You may,
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STAFF IN CONFIDENCE