A.
X
SECRET
4.
The Defence Secretary has agreed separately that the
Commander, British Forces, should no longer be a member of 141 ExCo.
5. The Governor has now completed sounding out his
candidates.
All but one have accepted appointment.
He is also proposing to appoint three of the
best Hong Kong Chinese Policy Secretaries. I attach the full
list, with brief notes on each individual.
6. Under the Royal Instructions, the Governor requires the Secretary of State's formal approval for the appointment of all members of ExCo except the ex-officio members (Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney General). The attached list is an impressive and talented group, and should be well received in Hong Kong. I recommend that the Secretary of State give his approval.
7. We have discussed separately with the Governor the question of whether these members of ExCo should be appointed without a specified term of office. We have now agreed with the Governor that they will be appointed for the period of Her Majesty's pleasure.
Wht ustere
pp
PF Ricketts
SECRET
appts.EXCO.bern
Redacted under FOI exemptions 27(1), 40(2) and 41.