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experience, to establish his authority, and to develop the necessary
relationships with the other institutions of government in Hong
Kong. It would also give the public service experience of working
under a new system before that system had to bear the full weight of
responsibility for the administration of Hong Kong. In showing how
the new system would work, and in providing an opportunity for
adjustment where necessary, it could assist in reducing the
apprehension of the community of the important middle and managerial
classes who have the closest relationship with the operation of
government.
8.
In terms of the laws of Hong Kong the delegation of powers means that, although the powers delegated would be exercised by a
Chief Executive Designate, the Governor would retain the ultimate
responsibility in case of dispute or difficulty, which would accord
with the responsibility that HMG have undertaken in the Joint Declaration for the administration of Hong Kong until 1997.
9.
This paper deals only with the broad principles. If it is
decided that the idea of appointing a Chief Executive Designate to a
governmental post before 1997 merits more thorough study, then further consideration will need to be given to the details of how
and when this might be done.
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