TNAG-2392-FCO40-3478-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 95

From the Private Secretary

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Thank you for your letter of 4 January to the Prime Minister about the change of Governor in Hong Kong, and for your kind words about the work of Sir David Wilson.

The Prime Minister has the fullest confidence in the Governor. Sir David has given outstanding service during five very testing years. It was never the intention that Sir David would serve until 1997, and the expectation is that he will retire in the course of 1992.

The Prime Minister understands how important the choice of a successor is for the people of Hong Kong. The Government will take careful note of the views expressed in Hong Kong.

We agree that the crucial objective over the next five and a half years will be to ensure a smooth transition and a successful future for Hong Kong on the basis of the Joint Declaration. The new Governor will have a central role to play in that on behalf of all the people of Hong Kong.

Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen

(J. S. WALL)