or in sensitive jobs, would still be prevented from making private visits to China. So, for the present, would senior civil servants at D2 and DJL2 level and above (i. e. about 200 officers). Others would normally be allowed to go to China on private visits, although they will still be subject to the general Civil Service requirement to obtain permission to leave Hong Kong. Officers would be reminded that they cannot accept offers of free or subsidised travel and accommodation. They would be encouraged, where possible, to join group tours, although individual visits, e. g. to families, would not be prohibited. Official visits would continue to be dealt with as before.
4
Visits to China by the disciplined and civilian staff of the Royal Hong Kong Police and Auxiliary Police would continue to be dealt with separately at the discretion of the Commissioner.
5
The present indirect restrictions on the wives and families
of civil servants visiting China would be removed.
6
These new recommendations are incorporated in a revised circular (annexed) setting out the rules for visits by civil servants to sensitive countries. The regulations covering other sensitive areas (the other communist countries and Taiwan) remain unchanged.
Public relations
7
It is considered that there should be no press statement or special publicity on the relaxation of restrictions. Changes in Civil Service Regulations are not normally publicised, and to do so in this case might invite difficult questions about which officers are not permitted to visit China and why. The relaxation will no doubt become public knowledge in due course, but it is likely to be seen by the general public as a normal response to the improved relations between Hong Kong and China.
Financial Implications
8
There are no financial implications.
CONFIDENTIAL