TNAG-0284-FCO40-320-Appointment-of-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 39

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE

5. Sir D. Trench leaves Hong Kong on 17 October and returns

there in mid-December. It is known that his present term of

office expires in October 1971 and in the absence of any

announcement there would be speculation in Hong Kong about the

succession. This would be forestalled if the announcement is

made when the Governor depants on leave.

6.

Furthermore, if Sir D. Trench is authorised to inform the

Executive Council in confidence in the near future, Hr. Royle

will be able to talk freely about the future to members of the

Council, in confidence, when he reaches Hong Kong on 9 October.

This would clearly assist Mr. Royle's visit.

7. But it is also necessary to ensure that the Danish end is

properly handled. Mr. MacLehose is not worried that an early

announcement would leave him a lame duck. And there is also

force in his point that the news of his departure should not

become public

in Denmark as a result of leaks or speculation.

Although he would prefer to be in Denmark when the announcement

is made, this is not possible on the timing envisaged.

circumstances, the best way for him to play the matter would be

to give advance warning to the Danish Government in strict

confidence before he departs on leave on 3 October.

8.

In these

If my recommendation is accepted, we will submit a draft

text for the announcement nearer the time.

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE

19.