TNAG-0710-FCO40-876-Extension-of-term-of-office-of-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 13

HİKA 431/393/6

The Rt Hon Sir Philip Moore KOVO CB CMG

Buckingham Palace

PS

In his letter of 7 January 1977 Mr Heseltine conveyed Her Majesty's approval to a second extension of

Sir Murray MacLehose's appointment as Governor and Commander- in-Chief, Hong Kong, for a period of one year until November 1978. Sir Murray was appointed initially on 19 November 1971 for five years and his appointment was subsequently extended by one year to November 1977.

Dr Owen has been considering what arrangement would be best after November 1978. The high esteem in which Sir Murray continues to be held in Hong Kong, coupled with the difficulties of replacing him in the most busy Aperiod of the legislative and budgetary programme, have

led Dr Owen to conclude that it would be desirable for Sir Murray's appointment to be extended again until August 1979. This would allow his successor to take up the office in early September, immediately prior to the new session of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary would be grateful if you would enquire whether this proposal meets with The Queen's approval.