Copy to: Mr. Carter,
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
Mr. Gain mana
6 August, 1968.
Ст
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107
R. 318. For aduce of Cool. gits. ANG
8.8.68.
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The five year term of office of Sir David Trench, Governor of Hong Kong, is due to expire in April 1969 and the Commonwealth Secretary has been considering the question of his successor. After giving the matter very careful thought the Commonwealth Secretary now recommends that Sir David's term of office as Governor should be extended by a period of one year until 1970. This recommendation has the support of the Prime Minister and of the Foreign Secretary.
Sir David has proved a very able Governor, as has been evidenced by his handling of the communist inspired disturbances in Hong Kong last year, and he has won the confidence of the inhabitants of the Colony (98% of whom are Chinese) to an overwhelming degree. There are very strong political and economic arguments for ensuring continuity of leadership in Hong Kong at this juncture, not the least of which is the need to maintain public confidence in the stability of the Colony by giving a reassurance of the continuing steadfastness of our policies. The Commonwealth Secretary considers that this object would be very largely achieved by the retention of Sir David's services for a further period. Sir David has indicated that he would be very willing to continue in office for a further year.
Mr. Thomson would accordingly be grateful if you would ascertain whether a proposal to extend Sir David Trench's term of office for a further year until 13 April, 1970 would meet with Her Majesty's approval.
(J. R. WILLIAMS PRIVATE SECRETARY
PA
been Extension has bem
approved by Palace. ANG
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9.8.68.
HWA 1/10
Lt. Col. The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Adeane, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
GR
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