CODE 18-77
ROBAQT
Reference........
DA
Mr January, WIAD
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CONFIDENTIAL
MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
DIC and DC have seen
R-
M copy to
Footman
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR'S POSTS
my own
own minute
minute on thes
attached subper to wheth
1. I was most interested to read the papers attached to your minute of 22 February. It is well accepted that Hong Kong is a different case, but there are many points in Mr Scott's comments which apply also to Hong Kong.
2. I would only pick up two of Mr Scott's observations:
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(a) He highlighted the different qualities required of those who fill the post of Governor compared to DS posts. This was also discussed at the first Dependent Territories Liaision Group meeting. Given that we will need to look increasingly to DS candidates to fill Governors posts in future it would seem sensible to do all we reasonably can to prepare potential candidates for this.
(b) I was particularly interested in Mr Scott's comments on the need for a Governor to be closely identified with the territory that he governs. In Hong Kong this has been an important factor in the community's perception of incoming Governors. Many in Hong Kong do Look very closely at the Governor's stance on issues where Hong Kong and HMG's interests may not be the same (eg. Defence costs, nationality). They are very quick to assume that the Governor's Loyalty lies to HMG rather than Hong Kong and it can take some time for a
new Governor to get over this. In Sir D Wilson's case there has also been some speculation in the press that, since he is young enough to look forward to continuing his career after he ceases to be Governor Hong Kong, he may be less inclined to press for Hong Kong interests where these do not coincide with HMG's. Such speculation is unfair, but it is indictative of the importance which people in Hong Kong attach to the Governor's Loyalty being clearly to the territory.
Robert Falmam
R C L Footman
7March 1989
CC: Mr Keeling, FID
Mr Kirk, SED
Pearce, POD
Mr
Mr
Fearn
Hong Kong Department WH312
270 2651
MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
CONFIDENTIAL
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