CONFIDENTIAL AND STRICTLY PERSONAL
Press Adviser, who besides acting as his spokesman could
perform the "broad shoulder" function. Care would have to
be taken to reconcile his press role with that of the
existing information machine but I believe the appointment
would be understood. The Governor may want to select someone of his own acquaintance, whom he already knows and trusts, from outside the Diplomatic Service. Alternatively
we could look for someone within the Service.
24. Then, the Governor will need a wise head to consult
about relations with China and about Hong Kong issues. There are of course plenty of people in Hong Kong with expertise but I think it desirable, again, that he should be able to call on someone who has a wider perspective than the typical Hong Kong one. The ideal would probably be a senior diplomat who has had deep immersion in Hong Kong and Chinese
affairs but has an independent mind and a reputation for
sane advice. He would then be a second "broad shoulder".
(In passing, I should say that I doubt whether a senior diplomat without Hong Kong/China expertise would be of much
use to a new Governor).
25.
This appointment would arouse suspicions in Hong Kong
and be controversial. HMG would probably have to pay for
it. But I think that in the end Hong Kong opinion would
accept the new person. The new Governor should not be seen
to rely on the senior diplomat too much. It would cause serious problems if he appeared to rely on one person in important matters. He should take care to see the Chief
Secretary and Financial Secretary just as regularly.
MARACE/8
CONFIDENTIAL AND STRICTLY PERSONAL
/26.