TNAG-1443-FCO40-1927-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 70

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10.

Such

Hong Kong.

an abrupt break in 1997 would be fraught with risk for

It would be the opposite of the smooth transition which

we are committed to achieve.

Chief Executive would have no

experience of high authority and responsibility when he assumed all

his functions on 1 July 1997. Nor would the legislature or the

civil service be accustomed to working with the post or

individual.

the

Option (B)

11. Option (B) might involve action in two stages before 1997. The

post of Deputy Governor could be created and filled within the Hong

Kong Government in the early 1990s. The powers which will be

exercised by the Chief Executive after 1997 would be gradually

delegated or devolved to the occupant of the post from the Governor.

The Governor would retain ultimate authority and specific

responsibility, under the direction of HMG, for foreign affairs, defence and security. Nearer 1997 would be filled by a person,

selected in consultation with the Chinese, who could bridge the gap

and hold office as Chief Executive after 1997.

the post

It

12. Option (B) would help to ensure convergence with the post-1997

government structure and meet the need for a smooth transition.

would indicate to the Hong Kong people in advance the way in which

the transition would be handled. It would reduce apprehension. In

particular it would enable the important middle and managerial

classes to understand the nature and effect of the changes in

government structure which would be in prospect.

13.

The creation of a post of Deputy Governor would provide time

and a focus for the constitutional and legislative changes which

must be made in order to provide for the transition. It would

accustom members of the Executive Council, the Legislative Council

and the government service, first to the existence of the post and

subsequently to the person of the Chief Executive (Designate) before the transition of government took place. It would give the Chief Executive (Designate) time to understand the processes of governing

and to establish his authority. There is also likely to be an increasing need in the more political atmosphere of the 1990s for

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