TNAG-0830-FCO40-1038-Extension-of-term-of-office-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governo-1979 — Page 28

Chief Clerk

19)

Semetery

state

CONFIDENTIAL - STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

HKA 431/393/6

INDEX

24 SEP 1975

ام

Privatz Benitay

Scenetary.

12/9.

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG

1. Sir Murray MacLehose's appointment as Governor of Hong Kong is due to end in April next year. The Secretary of State asked him orally in July whether he would be prepared to continue for a further two years. Sir M MacLehose has now written to say that and B. he would be willing to do so.

A

2.

I understand that the Secretary of State wishes to write to the Prime Minister about the proposal. I submit a draft minute. Since The Queen's approval will be required, I also submit a draft letter to the Private Secretary at Buckingham Palace. This might

be despatched as soon as No.10 Downing Street have confirmed that

the Prime Minister is content.

3. Sir M MacLehose has suggested that the extension should be announced in advance of his departure from Hong Kong for visits to the United States and Canada on 30 September. I will put the arrangements in hand as soon as The Queen's approval has been received. In accordance with normal practice, the previous exten- sions of Sir M MacLehose's term of office have been announced

locally in Hong Kong but not in London. However, since the new extension will be for two years there may be a case for a parallel announcement here on this occasion.

4. A decision on the precise duration of the extension (i.e. whether the two years is to run from now, from April next year or from some date in between) will be needed before the extension is announced. The Secretary of State may have discussed this question already with the Governor. If not, Sir M MacLehose's own views might be sought in consulting him about the timing and text of the announcement. One possibility would be an extension until November 1981 when he will complete 10 years as Governor.

C.C.

.HKPF/MACLEHOSE/M.

12 September 1979

R JT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

cc:

Mr Cortazzi

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE