TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 84

SECRET AND PERSONAL

existing arrangements.

He could then assess his needs

for himself and introduce any changes gradually.

Against that, the first few months are likely to be

the crucial time for the Governor to establish

himself. It could be the period when he most needs

help from a UK-based adviser.

Deputy Governor

12.

A Diplomatic Adviser would be paid for by HMG and

would be on the Governor's personal staff: he would not have any constitutional role. An alternative approach to supporting the new Governor would be to appoint a Deputy

Governor, either as a new executive layer between the

Governor and Chief Secretary or in a more detached role like

the US Vice-President, in order to relieve the Governor of

some ceremonial and representational duties. More

controversially he would supplant the Chief Secretary as Deputy to the Governor during the Governor's absences. If the Deputy Governor were an official from London, the local

reaction would be even stronger than for option (iii) above.

If he were a Hong Kong Chinese he might be more acceptable

but that would not remove the need for a UK official at

Government House.

Press Adviser

13.

A new Governor may well decide that he needs a Personal Press Adviser. This is unlikely to be as sensitive as importing officials to handle policy matters. The options

are considered in the Annex.

MAIAAT/9

/14.

SECRET AND PERSONAL