TNAG-0711-FCO40-877-Appointment-of-Chief-Secretary--Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 32

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

*The nor- mal re- tirement age in

Hong Kong is 55.

reflect Ministerial views. For these reasons and because of the

complexities of Anglo/Hong Kong and Hong Kong/China relationships I would in principle see advantage in appointing as Chief Secretary or Deputy Governor a senior official from the Diplomatic Service. But I do not think that Sir Murray MacLehose would at this stage accept such an appointment. He would argue strongly, and probably correctly, that it would cause a furore in Hong Kong and probably outright opposition from members of the Hong Kong Civil Service. He has, as the PUS knows, been highly resistant to the appointment

of a Grade 4 as a Chef de Cabinet for himself. I doubt whether

Ministers would want to have a row with Sir Murray at this stage

on behalf of such an appointment. Moreover so long as Sir Murray

remains it is hardly necessary to provide him with a Diplomatic Service deputy.

4. We do however have to think about the situation after Sir Murray

retires, presumably now in the Summer of 1979. If he is to be replaced by a political appointee, I think the case for a Diplomatic

Service Deputy becomes a very strong one and may have to be forced

on the Hong Kong Civil Service. But until we know what decision is made by Ministers on this point we do not need to tackle this

hurdle. However, it seems undesirable that we should tie our hands

too far in advance.

5. Against this background it seems right that Mr Cater's appoint-

ment should not last too long after the new Governor has taken up

office. A reasonable period would seem to be until the end of 1979 when Mr Cater will be almost 58.* He was born on 21.2.22.

We need not rule out an extension beyond that date if this seems

appropriate but we should not I think give any commitment to Mr Cater at this stage implying that his appointment will be extended.

6. I think it is now generally accepted in Hong Kong that Sir Denys Roberts, who was formerly the Attorney-General, should become the new Chief Justice. I agree with the Governor that an early change should be made and that Sir Denys should have a break from

I think, participating in the Administration before taking over. however, that four to six months is probably too short a period

and that it would be better for Sir Denys to cease to be Chief

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

/Secretary