TNAG-0223-FCO40-259-Appointment-of-financial-secretary-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 82

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2.

retain more room for manoeuvre as regards the exact date of the succession than will be possible once a public announcement has been made.

There is of course no objection to those concerned in London with the attachment arrangements being fully informed of the position as set out in paragraph 2 above: but on the whole I would prefer to go no further at this stage, and I would not wish Haddon-Cave himself to be given the impression that there is anything more definite at the present time than a general understanding about the succession to this post.

Perhaps you would let me know whether

this would cause any inconvenience at your end and if you would agree that consideration of this question of a public announcement should be deferred until, say, the end of November.

mis fur

David.

CONFIDENTIAL