SECRET AND PERSONAL
existing arrangements.
He could then assess his needs
for himself and introduce any changes gradually.
Against that, the first few months are likely to be
the crucial time for the Governor to establish
himself. It could be the period when he most needs
help from a UK-based adviser.
Deputy Governor
12.
A Diplomatic Adviser would be paid for by HMG and
would be on the Governor's personal staff: he would not have any constitutional role. An alternative approach to supporting the new Governor would be to appoint a Deputy
Governor, either as a new executive layer between the
Governor and Chief Secretary or in a more detached role like
the US Vice-President, in order to relieve the Governor of
some ceremonial and representational duties. More
controversially he would supplant the Chief Secretary as Deputy to the Governor during the Governor's absences. If the Deputy Governor were an official from London, the local
reaction would be even stronger than for option (iii) above.
If he were a Hong Kong Chinese he might be more acceptable
but that would not remove the need for a UK official at
Government House.
Press Adviser
13.
A new Governor may well decide that he needs a Personal Press Adviser. This is unlikely to be as sensitive as importing officials to handle policy matters. The options
are considered in the Annex.
MAIAAT/9
/14.
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