CODE 18-77
ROBAQT
Mr January,
WIAD
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference.
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR'S POSTS
q
1. I was most interested to read the papers attached to your minute of 22 February. It is well accepted that Hong Kong is a different case, but there are many points in Mr Scott's comments which apply also to Hong Kong.
2=
I would only pick up two of Mr Scott's observations:
(a) He highlighted the different qualities required of those
This was also who fill the post of Governor compared to DS posts. discussed at the first Dependent Territories Liaision Group meeting. Given that we will need to look increasingly to DS candidates to fill Governors posts in future it would seem sensible to do all reasonably can to prepare potential
to prepare potential candidates for this.
we
(b) I was particularly interested in Mr Scott's comments on the need for a Governor to be closely identified with the territory that he governs. In Hong Kong this has been an important factor in the community's perception of incoming Governors. Many in Hong Kong do
stance on Look very closely at the Governor's
issues where Hong Kong
and HMG's interests may not be the same (eg. Defence costs, nationality). They are very quick to assume that the Governor's Loyalty lies to HMG rather than Hong Kong and it can take some time for a
new Governor to get over this. In Sir D Wilson's case there has also been some speculation in the press that, since he is young enough to look forward to continuing his career after he ceases to be Governor Hong Kong, he may be less inclined to press for Hong
Such Kong interests where these do not coincide with HMG's. speculation is unfair, but is is indictative of the importance which people in Hong Kong attach to the Governor's loyalty being clearly to the territory.
7March 1989
CC: Mr Keeling, FID
Mr Kirk SED
·
Mr Pearce, POD Mr Fearn
Robert Fulmam
R C L Footman
Hong Kong Department WH312
270 2651
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