TNAG-1444-FCO40-1928-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 31

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MEETING OF OD (K): 19 NOVEMBER 1986

THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Points to Make

1.

Transition from Governor to Chief Executive a key area

in our planning for transfer of sovereignty. Our objectives:

2.

smooth transition in 1997;

maximum Hong Kong confidence in transition arrangements;

retention of influence up to 1997 and projection of

influence beyond.

Need to take decisions of principle now if we are to

influence Chinese thinking and drafting of Basic Law. But

not committing ourselves on detail. We must secure Chinese

reaction as a basis for planning best way forward.

3. Clear political and practical risk if Chief Executive is

introduced only on 1 July 1997 (Option A and current Chinese

thinking):

4.

no continuity, hence uncertainties and anxieties about

transition;

no influence over choice of first Chief Executive;

Chief Executive would have no direct experience of

high-level administration: civil service and legislature

would not have worked with individual or his office

before;

risk of Chief Executive-designate waiting in the wings:

alternative focus of authority would weaken position of

HMG and Governor.

Prior introduction of Chief Executive into government machines (Option B):

would smooth transition: show Hong Kong people in

advance how it was to be handled;

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1- would