SECRET
MEETING OF OD (K): 19 NOVEMBER 1986
THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Points to Make
1.
Transition from Governor to Chief Executive a key area
in our planning for transfer of sovereignty. Our objectives:
2.
smooth transition in 1997;
maximum Hong Kong confidence in transition arrangements;
retention of influence up to 1997 and projection of
influence beyond.
Need to take decisions of principle now if we are to
influence Chinese thinking and drafting of Basic Law. But
not committing ourselves on detail. We must secure Chinese
reaction as a basis for planning best way forward.
3. Clear political and practical risk if Chief Executive is
introduced only on 1 July 1997 (Option A and current Chinese
thinking):
4.
no continuity, hence uncertainties and anxieties about
transition;
no influence over choice of first Chief Executive;
Chief Executive would have no direct experience of
high-level administration: civil service and legislature
would not have worked with individual or his office
before;
risk of Chief Executive-designate waiting in the wings:
alternative focus of authority would weaken position of
HMG and Governor.
Prior introduction of Chief Executive into government machines (Option B):
would smooth transition: show Hong Kong people in
advance how it was to be handled;
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1- would