TNAG-0284-FCO40-320-Appointment-of-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 38

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE

Recommendation

3.

I recommend that:-

(a)

the announcement of Mr. MacLehose's new appointment

should be made when Sir D. Trench leaves liong Kong

on 17 October;

(0) Sir D. Trench should be instructed to do any consulting

of his Executive Council that he thinks necessary before

he departs on leave;

Mr. MacLehose should be authorised to inform the Danes

(c)

in confidence before his departure on leave on 3 October.

A draft telegram for this purpose is submitted.

Reasons

4.

The question of the timing of the announcement turns mainly

*on balancing two interests:

(a)

(b)

the "Hong Kong" interest in stilling anxiety and speculation by announcing Mr. MacLehose's appointment

at an early date;

the "Danish" interest in ensuring that Mr. MacLehose is able to present his premature departure to the Danish Government in such a way as to minimise concern and disappointment in Denmark that his tour there has been cut short. Mr. MacLehose's view is that he can

bring the Danes to understand that his premature departure is the result of unforeseen circumstances.

15.

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE