TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 68

CONFIDENTIAL

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7.

Under the constitutional documents the Governor is

subject to the instructions of the Secretary of State. For many years however Hong Kong has been autonomous in all financial and economic matters. Other matters, particularly those involving China, are dealt with through extensive consultation with the FCO. This is an increasingly significant and time-consuming element in the administration of Hong Kong. The exchange of telegrams with the FCO is massive. Last year Hong Kong

sent just under 4,000 telegrams to the FCO. (Washington

sent 3,300 and UKMis New York slightly fewer.) Much of

the detailed work is done at Secretary level or below,

but the Governor must see all the traffic, approve the general line taken on important issues and personally approve any significant telegrams.

8.

Office-bound administration is only part of the

job. The Governor must be seen to be out and around in Hong Kong, visiting each of the territory's nineteen Districts regularly and going to see Government Departments, factories, hospitals, schools etc.

9.

A Deputy President Some powers however

also a need,

Although the Governor remains President of the Legislative Council (ie Speaker), his role there is a

great deal less arduous than before. now chairs meetings of the Council.

remain with the Governor. There is particularly when the system is new, to see and give guidance to the Deputy President on a regular basis. With an increasingly politicised Legislative Council which now has its first directly elected members and an

elected majority, it is important for the Governor to

remain in contact with members of the Council.

This

means both attending Council functions to see members socially and seeing personally individual Councillors, particularly leaders of significant groups.

CONFIDENTIAL

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