"I
2.
It would mean either that, on 30th June 1971, we should have to appoint existing members for another short period (in which case we might as well have appointed for 18 months in the first instance) or we shall have to consult my successor on his views as to who should be appointed by 1st June 1971 at the latest. I would not feel able to make recommendations on his behalf without such consultation. But while it is true I was so consulted informally on new appointments before I arrived and took office, I was then still comparatively up-to-date with the problems and personalities involved: in this case, the same will by no means necessarily be so. The appointment of new members would therefore be likely to become a matter of considerable difficulty or embarrassment.
5.
On balance therefore it seems clear to me that appointments on this occasion should be for 18 months, i.e. until 31st December 1971.
Executive Council
6.
Official members The only official member at present is Dr. Teng, who is retiring from the service early in July. The choice of a successor is not an easy one, and I have hesitated between Robson (Director of Public Works), Hetherington (Commissioner of Labour), Luddington (District Commissioner, New Territories), Todd (Defence Secretary) and Rowe (Director of Social Welfare).
7.
Robson is still quite junior as a Head of Department and in any case I have explained before that I see some objections to the Director of Public Works, who appears very frequently before Council to plead his case on public works matters, filling this seat. It puts him rather too frequently into the position of a judge in his own cause (of course this would happen
but less frequently with any Head of
AN
CONFIDENTIAL
"
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.