TNAG-2601-FCO40-3789-Departure-of-Lord-Wilson--former-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--July-1992 — Page 65

1992-01-03 14:29 INFORMATION SERVICES DEPT

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COMMENTARIES

GOVERNOR

(Editorial)

The HK Economic Journal believed that China's stance, although not made known publicly, was that Chinese official Lu Ping could no longer hold concrete discussions with the retiring Sir David Wilson on HK's

political reforms. However, the paper noted that in the western society where the rule of law prevailed, as long as the official was in post, all negotiations held and documents signed by him would still be valid. "Even though Sir David is to leave soon, he still has the authority and responsibility to

hold discussions with China,' it said.

**

Commenting on Le gco councillors' move to raise a motion in Legco on the appointment of the next Governor, the paper said although London would say it welcomed views from HK people, any suggestion which was not in line with its interests would not be adopted and members' efforts would only prove to be an "unnecessary waste of economic resources". However, the paper noted that the councillors were now in a sure win position because the British Government could not openly refuse to listen to HK's opinion and the new Governor could not publicly state that his main concern was the interests of Britain.

(Columns)

Siu Shan of Wen Wei Po suspected that the British move to leave the administration of HK to a retiring Governor was part of an attempt to diminish the role of the Governor and the future Chief Executive In order to cope with political changes in HK.

Miu Chi-wang of the HK Economic Times believed China would raise objections to a Legco debate on the Governorship of HK. He also doubted the effect of such a debate.

Wong Hok-hot of Ta Kung Pao said Legco's discussion on Sir David's successor was a move which contravened the council's powers under the British constitutional set-up. The issue was also outside the terms of reference of the Legco In-house meeting.

Xu Simin, writing in Ming Pao, said a Governor who was tough with China would not benefit HK's transition.

Lo Chi-kin, writing in the Economic Times, said Sir David had not been weak in its dealings with China. Rather, his flaws lay in the internal administration of HK.

Jeremiah Wong of the Chinese University supported Legco members' move to discuss the next Governor's qualifications. "Whether Legco could develop into a state where subordinates can have a say on the appointment of their boss would be a crucial point for HK's political development," he said.