TNAG-0830-FCO40-1038-Extension-of-term-of-office-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governo-1979 — Page 27

HKA431/393/6

24 SEP 279

-Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

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13 September 1979

Dear Michael,

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG

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Lord Carrington spoke to the Prime Minister in the summer about the Governorship of Hong Kong.

In the light of this discussion Lord Carrington asked Sir Murray MacLehose whether he would be ready to stay on as Governor of the Colony for a further two years. The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary is glad that Sir Murray has agreed.

In coming to his decision, Sir Murray has taken into account that he will need, in November, an operation to replace his hip joint. But his medical advisers are confident that the operation will be a success. It will require his absence from the Colony for two or three months, during which time Sir Murray is confident that Sir Jack Cater, the Chief Secretary, could manage as Acting Governor.

Sir Murray has proposed that an announcement of this extension of his appointment should be made in advance of his visit to the United States and Canada on 30 September. Lord Carrington would propose to agree to this.

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C.C.HKPF/MACLEHOSE/M.

(G G H Walden)

M O'DE Alexander Esq 10 Downing Street

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

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