108
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DEYQU
NKA 016/1
27 SEP 1993
ZCZC
SPECAN 0001 SECRET
YOU
O FCOLN PEKIN
FM HOKON TO FCOLN
150950Z SEP
GRS 100
SECRET
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
FM HONG KONG
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
TELNO 1472
OF 150950Z SEPTEMBER 93
SECRET
INFO IMMEDIATE
PEKING
PERSONAL FOR RICKETTS, HKD FROM GOVERNOR
PEKING PERSONAL FOR AMBASSADOR
CHANGES IN SENIOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL
1.
As previously agreed, we intend to announce the appointments of Anson Chan as Chief Secretary, and David Ford as Commissioner, London and a series of consequential moves, on Tuesday 21 September. Copies of the relevant press releases are in MIFTS A
and B.
2.
I think it would be helpful if the Chinese were given some warning of these postings and, subject to your agreement, I suggest that Sir Robin McLaren might do this on Monday 20 September.
3. While, ideally this would be done directly to Lu Ping, it may be impractical on the 20th owing to his trip to the U S. On the other hand, to tell him earlier could be unwise as this might lead to objections or adverse comment.
4. At the same time as we inform the Chinese about this we could perhaps repeat the offer I made when in Peking last October to start a dialogue on staffing. Peking Telno 1458 of 21 October 1992
refers.
5. See MIFTS A and B.
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