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of Hong Kong require the adoption of a Public Offices' Agreement (POA). POAS were introduced elsewhere immediately prior to independence. As we move towards 1997, we will keep under review whether similar arrangements for Hong Kong would be appropriate.
(b) and (c) On the question of exchange rates, I see no case for the introduction of a mechanism for exchange rate protection at this stage. The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US dollar. There are no plans to change this link which has proved extremely effective. We will, however, keep the situation under review. Her Majesty's Government are conscious of their general responsibilities in relation to public service pensions. The Joint Declaration gives very specific and clear guarantees on this. As to the future, it would be for the government of the day to decide what action it would be right to take in any given set of circumstances. Their consideration would clearly have to have regard to the special position of HMOCS members, which successive governments have acknowledged.
As
(a) On the question of the Chinese Ministry of State Security having access to government records, I can assure Mr McIntyre that this will not be the case. the Joint Declaration makes clear, the Hong Kong SARG
The laws will be composed of local inhabitants. currently in place which protect individuals' rights in these matters will remain and will be strengthened by the passing into law of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. For any government to function properly for its civil servants, it must have records of the personnel it employs and their families for many obvious reasons, such as payment of pensions and steps to take should accidents occur. Action is being taken to ensure that the records of the Hong Kong Government will be sufficient and appropriate to allow the SARG to function properly.
(e)
I do not think that HMOCS members who elect to remain in service in Hong Kong after 1997 will be able to be regarded as serving members of HMOCS. Exactly how the benefits of this status should be obtained for pensionable service in Hong Kong after 1997 is a matter
There would, on which a decision has not yet been taken. however, be no problem about considering such offices for transfer to such suitable posts that may exist in other dependent territories after 1997 - but these are of course likely to be very few. On the question of the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, it will clearly be inappropriate for this to continue after 1997.