CONFIDENTIAL
Q.
A.
With only 10 years to go before the reversion of sovereignty,
do you feel that as Governor your hands will be tied by the
Joint Declaration, among other things?
I do not see it that way at all. The Joint Declaration
explicitly recognises Britain's responsibility for the
administration of Hong Kong until 1997, and it lays down a
clear framework for the future of Hong Kong as a Special
Administrative Region of China thereafter. Hong Kong has a
much clearer idea about
Declaration was signed.
its future now than before the Joint
We can make economic, commercial and
other plans for the future against that background.
Q.
A.
Two schools of thought on choice of new Governor: Need for
strong China background, or lack of China expertise an
advantage because more detached view of China. Your comment?
I read with great interest the
the various prescriptions of the
Hong Kong press as regards the sort of man the new Governor
ought to be. I do not believe anyone could meet all the
requirements listed, and I certainly do not claim I do. I
think the most important requirement is that the Governor of
Hong Kong should be а person who is willing to dedicate
himself to serving Hong Kong and its interests. I certainly
can and will do that.
Q.
With all the changes in senior posts in the HKG, including
those of Chief Secretary and Political Adviser, do you think
there is a need to create a post of Deputy Governor to assist you in your daily work? Would you consider retaining Sir
David Akers-Jones in this or any other capacity to assist
you?
A.
I am very glad that Sir David will be there when I arrive in
Hong Kong. He has very long experience of Hong Kong, and I
shall depend very much on his advice and wisdom. I shall be
discussing with him very soon what arrangements it would
be
CONFIDENTIAL