CODE 18-77
SS 8/78
Mr Marrice
Mr Clift
/u
CONFIDENTIAL
HICK OL
010
Reference
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
09 APR 1981
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY
Action Taken
NO MPS
але
Enlar
5
GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG
1.
Almost invariably the first question
was asked by everyone I met in Hong Kong, whether official or unofficial, was who was to be the next Governor. Fortunately I was able to say I had not seen the papers but I was left in no doubt, particularly by senior officials and unofficials, that HMG's failure to announce who it is to be is having an unsettling effect on Hong Kong.
2. Most people seem convinced that Sir Murray will not get a further extension, particularly since his statement at the airport on his return from the UK. They are also convinced that the Diplomatic Service will wish to maintain its hold on this 'plum' posting and therefore assume that Sir E Youde will be the next Governor.
3.
Whoever it is to be it is important that the decision be announced soon. The other changes at the top to take place this year are unsettling enough on their own; the uncertainty of the Governorship is in nobody's interests.
6 April 1981
1.
Zrichiummon
P J Williamson
Hong Kong & General Department
The unrest in Hong Kong is no doubt due to Sir Murray MacLehose's recent announcement that he will definitely be leaving in April 1982. However, I doubt that we would want to announce the name of his successor too far in advance since this could also have an unsettling effect. In any case, we shall want to consult the present Governor on when he thinks the name should be announced. I am checking back on the files to see how far in advance Sir Murray MacLehose's name was announced before he was due to take up his appointment. We could use this as a precedent for the timing of the announcement of the name of the next Governor.
1. Monie
8 April 1981
P Morrice
Hong Kong & General Department
CONFIDENTIAL