TNAG-0830-FCO40-1038-Extension-of-term-of-office-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governo-1979 — Page 50

York

Chief Clerk

CONFIDENTIAL

HKA 431/393/6

RAVE

28 FE31979

in 2000.'n

c.c. Mr Murray

Mr McLaren (HK&GD)

DLSK

INDEX

RY

GOVERNOR HONG KONG

PA

į / P.P.2/

1. As you know the Secretary of State is planning to visit China at Easter and he has accepted in principle our recommenda- tion that he should go to China via Hong Kong.

2. In Hong Kong the Secretary of State is likely to be questioned by unofficials (ie UMELCO) and the press about the next Governor, unless a prior announcement has been made about the succession. Questions which are likely will include:

3.

2.

b.

C.

d.

has a decision on the succession been taken?

will the successor be a politician or an official?

Is it intended to extend Sir M MacLehose's tenure

for a third time? If so for how long and why?

Why is a decision being delayed? Does this show that Britain is losing interest in Hong Kong?

If the Secretary of State has to stall on these questions this will be damaging to confidence in Hong Kong and to

Sir M MacLehose's own position. Whatever the position we shall need to brief the Secretary of State and I should be grateful for your advice on this towards the end of March.

Man Corday).

HAH Cortazzi

26 February 1979 Mr

4640

agree that the Suretay

of State will have to be prepared for questions

on this, but

I doubt whether he will be

CONFIDENTIAL