[HK 2AFU]
BACKGROUND
CONFIDENTIAL
1.
Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) was
created following the publication in 1954 of a Government
White Paper which announced the reconstitution of a
unified service from twenty separate colonial services.
The White Paper also contained in general terms the
benefits and conditions that would be provided for HMOCS
members when the territories employing them attained
self-government.
The se terms have since provided the
basis of HMG's treatment of HMOCS members when each
colony has reached independence. Hong Kong's unique
however me an that formulations which have
used elsewhere may not be appropriate to the
circumstances
been
territory.
2.
Earlier this year Ministers were consulted in OD(K)
on the future position and treatment of the 700 HMOCS officers in Hong Kong. They agreed that:
a)
b)
c)
a
HMG should a im to agree with Hong Kong on
compensation scheme for HMOCS officers affected by constitutional change in Hong Kong, and it should be
funded from Hong Kong revenue;
HMG should a im
to negotiate with Hong Kong in due
course the provision of safeguards for
safeguards for the sterling
value of pensions earned under HMOCS up to 1997, but
should consider further the nature and timing of any
such safeguards in discussion with Hong Kong;
HMG
to
should be prepared, if specifically pressed,
reaffirm previous undertakings given in the 1960s that HMG would pay loan advances in lieu of pensions
to HMOCS in the event of a pensions default;
CONFIDENTIAL