TNAG-2591-FCO40-3779-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 119

21st April 1992

Douglas Hurd MP

00000.

Whichett, HMD) - Scraply M1 by (77

1500

on

HOUSE OF COMMONS

LONDON SWIA 0AA

23/4

FROM: THE RT HON GERALD KAUFMAN MP

PS

Ps/M-Goodland

15/PUS S: Jole

in Bunsor New).

Foreign Secretary

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street

LONDON

SW1A 2AH

Dear Douglas

Sp Adr.

الله

Governorship of Hong Kong

I am sure you will agree with me that the most important decision the government must make in the early future is the appointment of the Governor of Hong Kong. All my contacts with the colony in recent months have indicated a deep anxiety at the vacuum left by the government's decision to replace David Wilson. It is essential that anxiety be allayed and confidence be enhanced by the appointment not just of a Governor, but of the right Governor, of Hong Kong.

Such a Governor must be a man or woman of considerable political or diplomatic experience, and preferably one with extensive experience of overseas affairs; must be willing and able to stay the course until the hand-over to China on 30 June 1997; must have sufficient standing to be able to communicate direct with yourself and, if necessary, the Prime Minister, whenever necessary and appropriate; must be seen in Hong Kong as the colony's representative to the United Kingdom government as well as the Queen's representative in Hong Kong; must be an experienced negotiator, able to stand up for the colony in negotiations with China, while at the same time able to negotiate in a cordial yet firm way with the Chinese government.

I trust that the government will cast around widely for such a person, examining the credentials not only of those with political and governmental experience but also of persons within the diplomatic service and persons inside Hong Kong. I trust, too, that while someone with political and governmental experience might well be the proper person to appoint, the appointment will not be seen as either a political reward or a political consolation prize.

Yours sincerely

Gear Kayn

my