TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 94

SECRET AND PERSONAL

other significant function is that the PA (as an officer

seconded from the DS) is the only person in the Hong Kong

Government apart from the Governor who sees certain

sensitive CX and GCHQ reports. He therefore acts as the

channel to the Governor for this material and for other

intelligence matters, and defector cases.

7.

The Political Adviser's role will change as 1997

approaches. We want to avoid the Chinese turning the

Political Adviser after 1997 into a Commissar for the SAR's

dealings with Peking. Moves are therefore already underway to separate out the PA's functions as follows:

-

the overt PRC-liaison function is gradually being taken on by Hong Kong Civil Service staff. They will move in about 1995 into the Chief Secretary's Private Office, with

the aim of continuing their functions unchanged after 1997;

the PA's more sensitive role as the Governor's Adviser on

relations with China and the conduit for intelligence

assessment will remain with the UK-based PA, who will in

about 1995 move into Government House. He might then take

under his wing certain other "UK eyes A" functions

(intelligence assessment, liaison with the garrison and

physical security).

London Requirements

8.

On

In the unpredictable period up to 1997, there will be a continuing need for private dialogue with the Governor on a range of issues relating to the administration of Hong Kong and relations with China which will not be suitable for

widespread circulation within the Hong Kong Government. the assumption that a new Governor will not have had previous experience of the Hong Kong administration or of dealing with China, and will not have the time or inclination to draft his own private communications with London, some arrangement will be needed to provide advice

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SECRET AND PERSONAL