SECRET AND PERSONAL
nd support in these functions.
The Options
There are three broad options:
9.
(i) No change. The New Governor would rely on the existing support provided by the Hong Kong
administration working through the Chief Secretary,
and a Private Office staff drawn from the Hong Kong
Civil Service. The Political Adviser would remain the
link for certain "UK eyes A" material, and for advice
on relations with China. The pros and cons are as
follows:
M
pro no disruption to the system. The Governor
would be seen from the outset to be relying on the Hong Kong administration for the full range of his dealings with London and with China. This would minimise the impression of London "taking over";
con The new Governor would be entirely in the hands of his Hong Kong administration. Ministers would need to accept that when they sought the Governor's
advice, this would in almost all cases be drafted by Hong Kong civil servants (except in the case of relations with China, where the PA could be involved). It might however be possible to ensure that one of the Governor's Private Secretaries had had previous
experience as a seconded officer in the FCO and hence would be familiar with FCO telegram practice.
(ii) An enhanced Private office. The Governor would bring into the Private Office a UK-based official to handle
relations with London, and possibly other issues. This could be a DS 5 Private Secretary, who would mainly be concerned to manage the paper flow with London, or a DS 4 Counsellor who could to some extent
PUGAED/4
SECRET AND PERSONAL