1992-01-02 12:25 INFORMATION SERVICES DEPT
852 521 7725 P.04/13
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Szeto Wah said that Sir David might have resigned because he was disheartened. Peggy Lam was worried whether someone who was as good as Sir David in handling Sino-HK affairs as Sir David could be found to replace him. Emily Lau called for public consultation on Sir David's successor. She was understood to have suggested that the change of governor be discussed at tomorrow's Legco In-house meeting, so that the views collected could be put across to the British Government. Her colleague, Rita Fan, felt however that the appointment of the Governor was a matter for the British Government.
Martin Lee said that the United Democrats would hold a meeting today to discuss what qualifications the next Governor should possess.
Britain: In Britain, the Chairman of the Anglo-HK Parliamentary Group, Sir Peter Blaker, was of the view that HK needed a new governor who could stand up for the interest of the territory in the run-up to 1997. Sir Peter did not think that the delay in the announcement of Sir David's successor would undermine people's confidence. He felt that Sir David had done a good job as HK Governor and that his sucessor must be a firm leader who would represent HK interests and be accepted by HK people. He should not confront China. The Vice-chairman of group, Jeremy Bray, shared similar views.
China: An NCNA official commented on the radio that the change in HK' $ governorship was a normal reshuffle in the British Government and that the Chinese side would not have much to say on the matter. The official was quoted as saying however that Sir David had done much to maintain a stable transition during his tenure. It was hoped that his successor would continue to do the same and to promote Sino-HK co-operation.
The HK Economic Journal quoted Chinese sources as saying that the announcement of Sir David's retirement at this juncture rendered meaningless any discussion on political reform at the coming meeting between him and Lu Ping. As a Wen Wei Po commentator pointed out yesterday, a retiring HK Governor was not expected to play any significant role in such discussions, the paper said. Sing Tao Daily noted that the article accused Britain of trying to destabilise HK by announcing Sir David's retirement without naming a successor.
CPPCC delegate, Xi Zimin, noted that the Chinese side was satisfied with the fair attitude adopted by Sir David on Sino-HK issues. Mr Xu felt that the next Governor should also handle Sino-HK relations cautiously during the transition.
Others: The Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce, Barrie McWhirter, denied suggestions that the FCO announcement on Sir David's retirement had anything to do with pressure from British businessmen. He said that what HK people should be concerned was who would be the next Governor.
On que
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