TNAG-0007-FCO40-43-Governorship-of-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 52

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

the next eighteen months or so which are

bricky

f

likely to be very direet. Second, and

this is perhaps rather a corrollary of the first, it is of fundamental

importance to our position in Hong Kong

that we should inspire and maintain

public confidence in the Colony. In

view of the real trust which the Chinese

inhabitants in particular repose in

Sir David, an extension of his term of

office would in present circumstances be

regarded locally- and elsewhere

How

as

reassurance of the continuing steadfastness of our policy there. [Third, the

traditional source of Colonial Governors,

the Overseas Service, has virtually dried

up and an additional year's grace would give us valuable time to consider

the next appointment which, in the

history of the Colony is likely to be a

we have Hind

Third

crucial one.] Fourth, the Colonial Secretary in Hong Kong is to be offered7

the post of High Commissioner for the

Western Pacific when the present High

Commissioner, Sir Robert Foster, is

transferred to Fiji at the end of this

year. In the present circumstances there

would be obvious dangers to Hong Kong if

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

/both

We need no larger feel anxiety over his health, which

caused we concern

last autumn: he is

obnously fit again.

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