CONFIDENTIAL AND STRICTLY PERSONAL
Hong Kong scene. But the Governor might feel happier with his "own" man running the Private Office and it would assist
communications with London. Or a UK Assistant Private
Secretary could be inserted in the Private Office. It would
in any case be a good idea to keep the present PPS on, for the sake of continuity he is very well versed in Hong Kong
matters.
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29. My own judgement is that to make all three new appointments at once would be a bit too much for Hong Kong and get the new Governor off to a bumpy start. My feeling is that it would be best for him to arrive with a Press Adviser and (probably) the Senior Grade diplomat but leave other changes until he has formed his own view on the ground.
30.
While I have discussed these ideas in strict confidence with Lord Wilson, Mr Galsworthy and
Sir R McLaren, I cannot claim that they are in complete agreement with me (though there is a broad convergence). The issues are difficult. I recommend that before Ministers decide they give Lord Wilson in particular the opportunity to discuss them direct. We have suggested that he and Sir R McLaren should return in late April for a discussion of strategy towards Hong Kong.
31.
I have discussed with the PUS and the Acting Chief Clerk possible candidates for the role of Diplomatic Adviser. We are at Ministers' disposal on the matter.
folm Woles.
Sir John Coles
MARACE/10
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