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PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTION TIME, 9 DECEMBER 1986
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
NEW GOVERNOR FOR HONG KONG
Prince of Wales?/other named candidates?
Nothing to add to my original answer
Interim arrangements?
The death of Sir Edward Youde is naturally a great loss to the
administration of Hong Kong. But the Acting Governor,
Sir David Akers-Jones, is a capable and experienced officer who has assumed the responsibilities of Acting Governor on many occasions in the past. We have full confidence in his ability to conduct Hong
Kong's affairs until a new Governor is appointed.
Will the succession be discussed with the Chinese Government?
The appointment of the Governor of Hong Kong is entirely a matter
for HMG.
Effect on confidence in Hong Kong?
The sudden death of Sir Edward Youde will naturally have saddened the people of Hong Kong. But they have great confidence in their Government, and are a resourceful and resilient community. There is no reason to believe that the death of the Governor will have any significant effect on their confidence in the future.
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