TNAG-1443-FCO40-1927-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 222

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E.

Candidates

12. It is too early to consider what type of individual might be

best suited to be the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR.

Broadly speaking the choice is between a bureaucrat, drawn from the

Hong Kong Government service, and a "politician" probably with a background in the -xecutive Council and/or the Legislative Council. The former would bring more direct experience of practical administration, the latter more highly developed political skills. If we envisaged two terms of office for a Deputy Governor before

1997, the two incumbents need not be drawn from the same background. We have no clear picture of thinking in Peking on this point, beyond

one or two indications (not necessarily reliable ones) that the

Chinese may see some attractions in a Chief Executive selected from among senior Government officials.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

October 1986

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E