DSR 11C
3.
4.
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
which expires in 1997, and all land leases in the
New Territories end in that year. This fact, and
the Hong Kong Government's inability to issue new
leases extending beyond 1997, will create major
practical difficulties, particularly over investment,
as time goes on. The Governor has proposed certain
legal action which would deal with this problem
provided the Chinese agreed. Proposals will be
put to Ministers in due course.
The immigration problem apart, relations between
Hong Kong and China are now as good as they have ever been.
Sir Murray MacLehose became the first Governor of Hong Kong
since the war to pay an official visit to China when he went
there in March and saw Deng Xiaoping and other leaders.
Sir Murray MacLehose's term of office has been
extended four times and is now due to expire in April next
year. He has been a very successful Governor and his
experience and knowledge of Chine are valuable assets.
But has has been Governor of Hong Kong for nearly 8 years
and will be 62 in October. A decision on his replacement
will have to be taken in the autumn if his successor is to
have adequate time to prepare himself.
5. I enclose a biographical note on Sir Murray MacLehose
together with briefing material on the questions mentioned
above.
6. I am sending copies of this letter and enclosures to
John Chilcot (Home Office), Roger Facer (Ministry of Defence)
and Martin Vile (Cabinet Office).
CONFIDENTIAL
Dd 0532000 400M 5/78 HMSO Bracknel: