CONFIDENTIAL
In the
influence in Hong Kong after 1997. We will therefore need to take great care to try to allay Chinese suspicions and to persuade them that we are trying to ensure that Hong Kong remains stable and prosperous before and after 1997. final analysis however, the Chinese could not block the scheme: the obligations of HMG to HMOCS officers are a matter for us and we would in the end have to decide ourselves how those obligations should be met.
CONSULTATION WITH THE LOCAL STAFF ASSOCIATIONS
5. There would also have to be consultation with the staff
associations in Hong Kong. Such consultation is a requirement laid down in the 1960 White Paper.
6. We must be prepared for widespread criticism by the local staff associations, the Overseas Service Pensioners'
Association and from Members of Parliament here. All concerned will no doubt claim that the proposed scheme fails to fulfil our responsibilities to HMOCS members in Hong Kong; that compensation and the right to retire early with immediate payment of pension have been granted in the case
of all other British dependent territories; and that the
consideration that is given to inducement to serve the SAR
Government is out of all proportion to the consideration
given to compensation for loss of career under the Crown.
7.
In response, we could say that the proposed scheme had
been designed to suit the particular circumstances of Hong
Kong in a way which, to quote the 1960 White Paper,
"reflects the interests of both the officers and the
Government concerned". The Joint Declaration provides that expatriate officers may remain in service with terms and
conditions no less favourable than before and the scheme
adds a further incentive. Those who choose to give up their career in 1997 would receive a deferred pension at normal
PICABB/3
CONFIDENTIAL