TNAG-2598-FCO40-3786-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 33

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my second concern is the way in which responsibility for Hong Kong is actually carried in the Foreign Office. A junior minister has been given care of Hone long affairs. In the last eight years since the signing of the Sino-Eritish Joint Declaration, six people have held this responsibility: Richard Luce (appointed June 1983), Timothy Renton (September 1985), Lord Glenarthur (June 1987), Francis Maude (July 1989), Lord Caithness (July 1990), Alastair Goodlad (April 1992). Can it be honestly claimed that such a rapid succession is an effective way of dealing with a complex matter involving such a great human community? the headteacher in a school were changed as often would you be happy with the leadership? Surely it is important at this very critical stage to ensure, first, that a minister remains in this post for five years, and second, that the minister has a good grasp of Chinese tradition, with a thorough appreciation of the life of ordinary people in Hong Kong. Neither the Governor nor the Minister should have their hands tied in any way by the small circle of leading business people, who have had so large an influence up till now.

I write out of some knowledge of the Hong Kong church scene over the last 25 years and because the United Reformed Church is closely linked to colleagues there.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Витай

Bemand Morogood

Bernard Thorogood