TNAG-0830-FCO40-1038-Extension-of-term-of-office-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governo-1979 — Page 38

STAFF:

IN CONFIDENCE

Mr Whyte, News Department

GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG

HIK OIGH...

BISCAY NO.

19 MAR 1979

INDEX

No

10/3

1. I informed Sir Murray MacLehose by telephone this morning that The Queen had approved the extension of his term of office until April 1980. The confirmatory telegram is being despatched.

2.

The Governor confirmed that he would wish to inform his Executive Council before the extension is announced. He will do this tomorrow morning; a two line press statement will be issued at 1600 hours Hong Kong time (0900 hours London time) tomorrow, 20 March.

3. It is not the normal practice for News Department to make a parallel announcement, but you may be asked to confirm the extension at tomorrow's New Conference. The Governor asked that you should do so on the lines: "Sir Murray MacLehose will be staying on as Governor until April 1980".

4.

Sir Murray MacLehose was originally appointed Governor in November 1971 for a period of five years. His tour has been extended three times before: from November 1976 to November 1977, from November 1977 to November 1978, and from November 1978 to August 1979

RJT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

19 March 1979

Copies to:

PS

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

PS/PUS

Chief Clerk

Mr Cortazzi

Mr Murray

HKA 431/393/6

RLANED 47

YRC. ST

NO.

20 MAR!979

PA

Wath Tene

NO ! I

P.P. a

3

STAFF: IN CONFIDENCE