TNAG-2594-FCO40-3782-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 65

GOVERNOR-DESIGNATE

New Post: The Oriental Daily News, in an inside-page lead story, prominently quoted London sources as saying that three senior advisers would come along with the Governor-designate, Chris Patten, when he assumed the governorship on July 9. The powers of the CS and FS would be greatly reduced to dealing with the internal affairs here. The sources said that the three advisers would include a senior Political Adviser, a press secretary and a personal assistant.

Visit: It was noted that Mr Patten would today meet CRC members, Allen Lee, Selina Chow and Ronald Arculli. The three would also be meeting the FCO minister with special responsibility for HK, Alastair Goodlaḍ. It was expected that Mr Patten and the group would exchange views on a wide range of issues in HK. Some papers said that Mr Patten would consult the group on wearing the traditional costume when he assumed the governorship.

Lo: Politicial commentator Lo Chi-kin' told the United Daily News that the appointment of Mr Patten, a politician, to be the next Governor of to deal with the internal problems of the territory rather than strengthening Sino-HK relations. It was because the internal affairs in HK had become much complicated which was beyond the handing ability of FCO officials or civil servants.

LORD WILSON

Sing Pao said in a lead story that Lord Wilson would visit Peking from June 8 to June 12 to say farewell to Chinese officials, including the director of the HK and Macau Affairs Office, Lu Ping and officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. It was also probable that he would meet the Chinese premier, Li Peng. It was expected that he would discuss the airport project with the Chinese side.

VMS

The media reported that an agreement on the orderly repatriation programme for VMs here would be reached between the HK Government and Vietnam in the next three days.

INFORMATION

ned

Representatives of four concert groups, including the HK Journalists Association, met the Omelco Constitutional Development Panel calling for an early enactment of a Freedom of Information Bill, R-1 and some papers said. Panel convenor Andrew Wong said that the initial impression of the panel was that the Official Secrets Act could co-exist with the Bill.

FORD

According to the Oriental Daily News, the CS, Sir David Ford, had instructed Government officials not to comment on the new Governor and Lord Wilson in view of gossips within the Government.