TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 108

follows:

SECRET AND PERSONAL

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pro

no disruption to the system. The Governor

would be seen from the outset to be relying on the

Hong Kong administration for the full range of his dealings with London and with China. This would minimise the impression of London "taking over";

S

con The new Governor would be entirely in the

hands of his Hong Kong administration.Ministers would

need to accept that when they sought the Governor's advice, this would in almost all cases be drafted by Hong Kong civil servants (except in the case of

relations with China, where the PA could be involved).

It might however be possible to ensure that one of the

Governor's Private Secretaries had had previous

experience as a seconded officer in the FCO and hence would be familiar with FCO telegram practice.

(ii) An enhanced Private Office. The Governor would bring

into the Private Office a UK-based official to handle

relations with London, and possibly other issues. There would be a spectrum of possible options ranging from a DS 5 Private Secretary, who would mainly be

concerned to manage the paper flow with London,

through a Counsellor DS 4 with a broader remit to a

senior grade "Diplomatic Adviser" who would act as a

policy adviser to the Governor, attend ExCo meetings

and possibly take on wider roles such as co-ordinating the overall British interest in Hong Kong, ie,

liaising with the Senior British Trade Commissioner

and the Senior Representative on the Joint Liaison

Group.

pro there would be a UK official (possibly a senior

one) close to the Governor to advise and help him on issues of particular interest to HMG. Ministers could communicate with the Governor if necessary via a

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SECRET AND PERSONAL