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10.
Such
Hong Kong.
an abrupt break in 1997 would be fraught with risk for
It would be the opposite of the smooth transition which
we are committed to achieve.
Chief Executive would have no
experience of high authority and responsibility when he assumed all
his functions on 1 July 1997. Nor would the legislature or the
civil service be accustomed to working with the post or
individual.
the
Option (B)
11. Option (B) might involve action in two stages before 1997. The
post of Deputy Governor could be created and filled within the Hong
Kong Government in the early 1990s. The powers which will be
exercised by the Chief Executive after 1997 would be gradually
delegated or devolved to the occupant of the post from the Governor.
The Governor would retain ultimate authority and specific
responsibility, under the direction of HMG, for foreign affairs, defence and security. Nearer 1997 would be filled by a person,
selected in consultation with the Chinese, who could bridge the gap
and hold office as Chief Executive after 1997.
the post
It
12. Option (B) would help to ensure convergence with the post-1997
government structure and meet the need for a smooth transition.
would indicate to the Hong Kong people in advance the way in which
the transition would be handled. It would reduce apprehension. In
particular it would enable the important middle and managerial
classes to understand the nature and effect of the changes in
government structure which would be in prospect.
13.
The creation of a post of Deputy Governor would provide time
and a focus for the constitutional and legislative changes which
must be made in order to provide for the transition. It would
accustom members of the Executive Council, the Legislative Council
and the government service, first to the existence of the post and
subsequently to the person of the Chief Executive (Designate) before the transition of government took place. It would give the Chief Executive (Designate) time to understand the processes of governing
and to establish his authority. There is also likely to be an increasing need in the more political atmosphere of the 1990s for
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