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If
8. Of course there are disadvantages as well. It would amount to giving the Chinese a considerable say in the appointment of senior officials in 1996 and early 1997. it became public that we were discussing such issues with the Chinese, there could be criticism that this was an infringement of Hong Kong's autonomy. The answer is that this is a crucial aspect of securing a smooth transition. Article 48 of the Basic Law makes clear that the Chief
Executive will have to nominate and to report to the CPG those whom he intends to appoint as principal officials. The more that can be agreed before 1997, even if the people concerned do not actually take up post until 1 July 1997, the better. We may find that the Chinese reject many officers as unsuitable, thereby opening the way for importing others. But by starting the process in good time there will be a chance to try to overcome their concerns and find people in whom both sides have confidence.
9.
However
there have been some recent indications that the Chinese may now think that it would be best for these positions to be filled by current civil servants. There have certainly been indications that they consider that the first Chief Executive should be a former civil servant (grooming and briefing a candidate for this job is a somewhat separate issue, which will also need to be broached again with the Chinese before long).
Redacted Under FOI Exemption Sec 27(1)
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