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3. We have considered the question of a Proto-Chief Executive (PCE) before, when Mr Fifoot wrote some learned minutes. I attach his "draft articles" for a "Leader of Government Business" together with relevant minutes, for
your reference.
I believe the view then was that we should set up a PCE as soon as possible to get everyone in Hong Kong used to the existence of such an office and to establish its channels of communication and power. It would then be open to us to consider whether we should try to agree with the Chinese to have in place a PCE acceptable to them in, say, 1996. Care would be needed because of the
Basic Law stipulations (see BL Annex on Decision of the NPC
on the Method for the Formation of the First Government and
first Legislative Council of the HKSAR) for there to be a Selection Committee for the post of CE.
If we could agree the PCE with the Chinese then he could arrange for Principal officials of his choice to be moved into place in the run up to 1997. I attach more Fifootery on this his minute of 23
March 1990 of which para 3 to 10 are relevant.
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4. I believe we should look at the questions of Principal officials and the Chief Executive together. We need to have
a game plan for both before we tackle the Chinese on either.
5. I have taken the liberty of copying this to Ms Brooks, Legal Advisers.
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M V Stone