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financing dificulties (though that could depend on the balance between UK and Hong Kong based). But I think it would still be very controversial and it is not clear to me that it would serve a useful purpose.
20.
One reason why some have argued for a "Cabinet" in the past is that they believe the control that such a system would provide would guarantee that HMG would not in future experience the unpleasant surprises that we have had in the
past whereby some new development in Hong Kong catches
London unawares. I do not believe it. The surprises stem from the size of the Hong Kong machine and the complexity of its activities. Surprises are not at all uncommon in
Whitehall.
21.
Third, between the two extremes, the Governor could bring two or three new people who were clearly justified by
the new situation. This alternative assumes that Ministers have decided that existing policy will be continued, namely that the Governor will work with the grain of the system and will cooperate closely with the key Administration figures such as the Chief Secretary and the Financial Secretary.
22.
now.
Assuming that the new Governor is a political figure, some needs which will arise which are not present
23.
The Governor will need one or two people of his own choice with whom he can discuss things and who can provide a perspective different from the hot-house perspective of Hong
In that category I would place, first, a
Kong.
/Press Adviser
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