CONFIDENTIAL
нко
1.3
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
MKKO 40/46
- 6 ALC 1984
London SW1A 2AH
3 August, 1984
Dear Charles, no
Ru
TRY
Future of Hong Kong: Test of Acceptability
As you know, part of the proposed method of determining the acceptability of an agreement when it is reached in Hong Kong involves the appointment by HMG of two monitors to observe the work of the Assessment Unit set up under the Hong Kong Government, and to report on the impartiality of its proceedings. The proposal is that one monitor should be from Hong Kong, and the other from the UK.
There was an initial discussion of possible candidates in OD(K) before the Foreign Secretary's visit to Hong Kong and China. During his visit, Sir Geoffrey discussed possible candidates for these posts with the Governor. The Governor proposes to nominate a Chinese High Court Judge, Mr Justice Simon Li, as the Hong Kong-based monitor.
As for the British candidate, Sir Geoffrey and the Governor concluded that the best choice would be Sir Patrick Nairne, now Master of St Catherine's College, Oxford. The second choice would be Sir John Paul, currently Director of Overseas Relations with St John's Ambulance Brigade, and previously Governor of the Isle of Man.
I should be grateful to know whether the Prime Minsiter is content with these conclusions. If so, we propose to make an early approach to Sir Patrick Nairne in the first instance.
You ever,
(P F Ricketts) Private Secretary
Pets Ricketts
See 30
C D Powell Esq
10 Downing Street
CONFIDENTIAL