A
FNM Pusinelli Esq
Chairman
Overseas Service Pensioners' Association
63 Church Road
Hove
Sussex BN3 2BD
Thank you for your letter of 20 July to Francis Maude about HMOCS members Hong Kong.
rs Hon
As you may know, I have
recently taken over his responsibilityles for Hong Kong in
the Foreign and Commonwealth office.
I understand that you recently had a detailed discussion with Andrew Burns about a number of issues of
concern to HMOCS members. I fully appreciate the importance of these issues and I shall be looking into them as a matter of priority.
In the meantime I can assure you that we fully recognise the particular concerns of HMOCS members in Hong Kong and accept that we must make suitable arrangements for
them.
I am sure that Francis Maude did not intend to give the impression that members of HMOCS would be able to retain an HMOCS status which involves special protection by and responsibilities for HMG if they continue in service under the ȘAR. As you rightly say, this would not be compatible with the Basic Law.
Earl of Caithness
DAVAAP/1