TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 98

SECRET AND PERSONAL

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

Minde

11. A Diplomatc 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. 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. A Hong Kong appointee (local or expatriate) to such a post could help ease the 1997 transition by preparing the office of the post-1997

Chief Executive. Even if a Deputy Governor were a Hong Kong Chinese, the Chinese Government would be most unlikely to agree that he/she should become Chief Executive in 1997. But Hong Kong opinion would welcome the gesture of having a Hong Kong Chinese in this job, even if it were largely ceremonial. On the other hand, placing a senior expatriate civil servant in it could facilitate localisation of the

Chief Secretary. Either way a Hong Kong appointee would not remove the need for a UK official in Government House.

Press Adviser

12. 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.

PUGAED/7

SECRET AND PERSONAL