SECRET AND PERSONAL
other significant function is that the PA (as an officer
seconded from the DS) is the only person in the Hong Kong
Government apart from the Governor who sees certain
sensitive CX and GCHQ reports. He therefore acts as the
channel to the Governor for this material and for other
intelligence matters, and defector cases.
7.
The Political Adviser's role will change as 1997
approaches. We want to avoid the Chinese turning the
Political Adviser after 1997 into a Commissar for the SAR's
dealings with Peking. Moves are therefore already underway to separate out the PA's functions as follows:
-
the overt PRC-liaison function is gradually being taken on by Hong Kong Civil Service staff. They will move in about 1995 into the Chief Secretary's Private Office, with
the aim of continuing their functions unchanged after 1997;
the PA's more sensitive role as the Governor's Adviser on
relations with China and the conduit for intelligence
assessment will remain with the UK-based PA, who will in
about 1995 move into Government House. He might then take
under his wing certain other "UK eyes A" functions
(intelligence assessment, liaison with the garrison and
physical security).
London Requirements
8.
On
In the unpredictable period up to 1997, there will be a continuing need for private dialogue with the Governor on a range of issues relating to the administration of Hong Kong and relations with China which will not be suitable for
widespread circulation within the Hong Kong Government. the assumption that a new Governor will not have had previous experience of the Hong Kong administration or of dealing with China, and will not have the time or inclination to draft his own private communications with London, some arrangement will be needed to provide advice
PUGAED/3
SECRET AND PERSONAL