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CONSEQUENTIAL ISSUES
ANNEX
A. Timetable
The appendix sets out a possible timetable for the creation of the post of Deputy Governor and the delegation of powers to him. It should be emphasised that at this stage it is purely illustrative. The relationship between the Governor and the Deputy Governor would need careful definition and public presentation, bearing in mind that the community might as time progressed perceive their respective powers as deriving from different sources of political authority. We should have to ensure that the increase in the powers of the Deputy Governor was viewed positively, as a building up of Hong Kong's autonomy, rather than negatively, as a precipitate withdrawal of British influence.
2.
The period of office of a Deputy Governor appointed on this basis would need careful consideration. It would be conducive to a smooth transition if the incumbent destined to occupy the post in 1997 could have a term of office which comfortably spanned that date (perhaps 1995 - 2000). If the post of Deputy Governor was created as early as 1992 there might be an initial incumbent, appointed by HMG, who would see through the first stage of delegation of powers. The Chief Executive (designate) would not be formally selected until later. His choice would need Chinese acquiescence. Nearer 1997 there would thus need to be provision for the appointment or re-appointment of the Deputy Governor for a further term which would merge into the office of Chief Executive in 1997. This could permit the candidate identified in 1992 to be re-confirmed in office, if he had demonstrated his ability to take on the job, or alternatively replaced by a more suitable candidate.
B.
The position of the post in the Hong Kong Government
3.
It is proposed that the post of Deputy Governor should be created as the eventual position for the Chief Executive (designate). He would fit in the Hong Kong Government hierarchy between the Governor and the Chief Secretary. His post would be an additional one, created for political rather than strictly organisational purposes. The next echelon of posts in the Hong Kong Government, those of the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Attorney General, would continue essentially unchanged both before and after 1997.
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