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commitment was given on timing. The Chief Secretary in his letter
to the civil service on 27 September 1984 stated that "the present
practice of restricting certain posts to British nationals will be
discontinued". The question therefore seems to be not so much
whether the policy should be changed but when the change should take
place.
Timing
3.
There are
a number of factors which need to be considered
when assessing the preferred timing of any change in policy.
(a) Security
Civil servants are employed by the Hong Kong
Government and they owe their loyalty to that
government. All civil servants are bound by the
Official Secrets Act and appointment and vetting
procedures are geared to ensure that suitable
candidates are employed. It is considered that
these procedures, combined with Government's own.
internal regulations, are sufficient to ensure the
confidentiality of Government matters. The
possession of British nationality does not by
itself guarantee loyalty to the Crown.
Security
G.F. 326
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