CONFIDENTIAL : STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

SIR EDWARD YOUDE'S APPOINTMENT AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG

DEFENSIVE TALKING POINTS

A.

Why delay in appointment?

I am not aware that there has been any delay.

B. Health

Sir Edward Youde has fully recovered from his heart operation

and has been medically cleared.

C. When will he relinquish his FCO post?

Shortly after Christmas.

D. What briefing will he have?

He already has pretty wide experience of the Far East,

including Hong Kong and China, and of general administration.

He will be undertaking thorough briefing. The programme has

not yet been finalised but he will ensure that it includes

arrangements for police, education, social welfare,

environmental planning, etc.

E. Questions on policy, including future of Hong Kong

Sir Edward Youde will take the following line with the Press:

'I do not want there to be any misunderstanding about this.

I am to be Governor of Hong Kong; and my principal concern

will be the welfare and interests of the people of Hong Kong.

Of course, these involve many economic and even political

CONFIDENTIAL : STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

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