BUT
THEREFORE
BUT
BUT
Mr. O'Brien
CONFIDENTIAL
33
Reference...
Pensions Policy
From the point of view of Hong Kong alone we would be satisfied to see exclusion of all dependent territories.
2. This does not take account of Sir L. Monson's view that we should not treat those territories for which we are responsible less well than those for which we are not responsible.
3. In principle I support Sir L. Monson's plea that all dependent territories should be brought into the scheme from the start including Hong Kong.
4.
This seems unlikely to gain C.D. M. acceptance, let alone acceptance of Ministers, so something less is likely.
5. The criterion set out in paragraph 29 for participation in the scheme is that an independent territory should be included from the date its P.S.C. became executive.
6.
Some still dependent territories have reached that stage so should presumably be included in the scheme. Although the present O.D.M. draft suggests that only independent countries will get the option, this would involve discrimination against some dependent territories (not Hong Kong).
7. If we cannot get extension of the scheme to all dependent territories then:
(a) those that have passed the starting gate
should be let in;
(b) this will involve an opening phrase being
added to para. 42 referring back to para. 29;
(c) the second sentence of para. 42 should be replaced by a new sentence the purpose of which would be to say that in assessing aid to dependent territories account would be taken of the burden of pension payment which they were bearing.
8. The wording of the draft statement in para. 56 does not seem consistent with the argumentation which precedes it. It talks only of the independent countries and takes no account of the points made in paras. 5 & 6 above. It also suggests that it is for the independent governments to approach H.H.G. whereas elsewhere an approach by H.M.G. to countries concerned seems to be the intention.
Copied to:
Mr. Combs
(K. H. Wilford)
31 December, 1969
Mr. Wade-Gery (F.P.A.D.)
•
Mr. Shakespeare (F.F.A.D.)
Mr. Blakeway (Caribbean Dept.)
Mr. Stewart (Hong Kong Dept.)
Mr. Munro (SWPD)
Mr. Fairclough (WID)
CONFIDENTIAL