David Wilson was forced out as governor of Hong Kong by British prime minister John Major despite objections from Executive Council, new declassified files reveal
- British reportedly wanted politician to run city in the run-up to handover to China
- But senior members of advisory body warned of dangers of making change at time of uncertainty
David Wilson was forced to retire as Hong Kong governor in 1992 as Britain wanted a politician to run the colony instead of a career diplomat despite strong reservations from most top government advisers in the city, newly declassified files reveal.
Lydia Dunn, senior member of the Executive Council at the time – the top policymaking body in the colonial era – warned then British foreign secretary Douglas Hurd that a change of governor before 1995 would add further uncertainty at a time of rapid political and psychological change in the city.
The British government announced on December 30, 1991, that Wilson, who was a veteran diplomat before his appointment as Hong Kong governor in 1987, would retire within 12 months, and had been handed a life peerage in the New Year’s honours list.
But the British government did not announce Wilson’s successor, sparking speculation he was being sacked. Then British prime minister John Major said at the time that Wilson, who was 56, had “the government’s full confidence”.
Despite Major’s endorsement, there were media reports of unhappiness in London and Hong Kong over the governor’s handling of talks with Beijing over the new airport project at Chek Lap Kok.