STAFF - IN CONFIDENCE
pressure within the Colony for his term of office to be
extended. This has taken the form of numerous letters
and editorials in the non-communist Chinese language
press; of petitions to The Queen, the British Government,
and to Mr. Thomson from individuals and some 356 Chinese
organisations in Hong Kong, who can be regarded as
representing virtually the entire non-Communist Chinese
population of the Colony; representations to us by the
Unofficial Members of Executive and Legislative Councils;
and finally, a letter to Mir, Thomson from the Hong Kong
Association in London (the association of British business
interests connected with the Colony) urging a further term
for Sir David.
In these circumstances Mr. Thomson thinks that we
should announce very soon whether or not we are going to
extend Sir David's term. He very much hopes therefore
that the Prime Minister will agree that we may offer him
an extension of one year (1.8. from April 1969 to April 1970)
subject to his continuing physical fitness and a medical
examination.
By April 1970 Mr. Thomson believes that we shall have
been able to line up for the Governorship a more suitable
candidate than any alternative to Sir David Trench available
at the moment. At that time also Sir David Trench's
successor will be able to take over the post with a
/second-in-command
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.