Sir Murray MacLehose,
GBE, KCMG, KCVO.
HONG KONG
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
HKK 010/boreign and Commonwealth Office
RECEIVED IN BRAK Ho.
12 APP 1978
London SW1A 2AH
R.
PA
Action
15 March 1978
DECK OFFICE?
INDEX
HRA 431 3037
New Si Durry;
LAST
KL.1
R.:
APPOINTMENTS IN HONG KONG
1.
AYAO. ST
2 1 MÁR 1978
OFFICER
PA
Action Taken
See -1
Curtis Keeble has shown me your letter to him of 13 February about appointments to the posts of Chief Justice and Chief Secretary. I have consulted Lord Goronwy-Roberts and am writing to let you know that, although we have not yet consulted the Dependent Territories Senior Appointments Board, we agree that Denys Roberts should take over as Chief Justice next March and that Cater should succeed him as Chief Secretary.
We think, however, I would not expect the Board to disagree. that in order to give Denys Roberts rather longer to prepare himself for the job it might be better to bring forward the appointment of a new Chief Secretary to, say, 1 July of this year. We also think that in view of Cater's age and the fact that it would not be fair to tie the hands of your successor, whoever he may be, for too long after he has taken over, Cater's appointment should in the first instance be for a fixed period of two years.
This should be sufficient, I think, to ensure a
smooth handover.
2. We shall be interested to learn who you propose co nominate as head of the ICAC. As you will appreciate this is 2 politically sensitive appointment and Lord Goronwy Roberts will wish to be consulted before a decision on this post is made.
A
If you agree with the timings proposed in paragraph 1 I will put the appointment of Cater to the Board, and will let you know the outcome. Perhaps you could also let me know how
ed. you woul2 like the announcemeng handl
CC. LIKA 373/393/2.
Your cou
Yd, Kin
PS/PUS
PF
Michael Palliser
STAFE IN CONFIDENCE