TNAG-1590-FCO40-2175-Appointment-of-Sir-David-Wilson-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 71

CONFIDENTIAL

Q.

A.

With only 10 years to go before the reversion of sovereignty,

do you feel that as Governor your hands will be tied by the

Joint Declaration, among other things?

I do not see it that way at all. The Joint Declaration

explicitly recognises Britain's responsibility for the

administration of Hong Kong until 1997, and it lays down a

clear framework for the future of Hong Kong as a Special

Administrative Region of China thereafter. Hong Kong has a

much clearer idea about

Declaration was signed.

its future now than before the Joint

We can make economic, commercial and

other plans for the future against that background.

Q.

A.

Two schools of thought on choice of new Governor: Need for

strong China background, or lack of China expertise an

advantage because more detached view of China. Your comment?

I read with great interest the

the various prescriptions of the

Hong Kong press as regards the sort of man the new Governor

ought to be. I do not believe anyone could meet all the

requirements listed, and I certainly do not claim I do. I

think the most important requirement is that the Governor of

Hong Kong should be а person who is willing to dedicate

himself to serving Hong Kong and its interests. I certainly

can and will do that.

Q.

With all the changes in senior posts in the HKG, including

those of Chief Secretary and Political Adviser, do you think

there is a need to create a post of Deputy Governor to assist you in your daily work? Would you consider retaining Sir

David Akers-Jones in this or any other capacity to assist

you?

A.

I am very glad that Sir David will be there when I arrive in

Hong Kong. He has very long experience of Hong Kong, and I

shall depend very much on his advice and wisdom. I shall be

discussing with him very soon what arrangements it would

be

CONFIDENTIAL