TNAG-0284-FCO40-320-Appointment-of-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 53

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ANS

25.9.20

Mr. Wilford

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

Reference....

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Governorship of Hong Kong

You will remember the brief discussion we had with Mr. Royle last Tuesday about the date of the announce- ment of the appointment of the new Governor of Hong Kong. Subsequently, I spoke to Mr. Drinkall on the telephone and told him that it was Mr. Royle's wish that the announcement be made at about the time Sir D. Trench left Hong Kong on leave next month. Mr. Drinkall took a line similar to that contained in his minute to Mr. Barrett of 16 September, of which a copy is attached. I said that there were special reasons for making the announcement as soon as possible (mentioning, in particular, the speculation over the last few years about Sir D. Trench's successor). I also said that we could certainly not treat Hong Kong in the same way as we treat our own posts overseas.

2.

Before Mr. Drinkall wrote his minute of 16 September I had already recorded my own views, based on Sir D. Trench's views, viz: that Sir D. Trench should himself make the announcement on his return to Hong Kong from leave. In view of Mr. Royle's strong views on this matter you may wish to speak to Mr. Cole about it.

18 September, 1970

ER

(E. 0. Laird)

Hong Kong Department

MW%.

STAFF

IN CONFIDENCE