Background
CONFIDENTIAL
Brief on HMOCS Matters
Following
signature of the
Joint Declaration,
the Hong Kong Government raised with HMG the need to
consider the effect of the transfer of sovereignty in 1997
on members of HMOCS serving in Hong Kong. In March 1985,
following questions in Parliament, Baroness Young stated
that "HMG fully recognised the particular concerns of HMOCS
officers in Hong Kong and would continue to keep their
interests in mind in the 12 years leading up to 1997".
This was amplified by Mr. Richard Luce, who in a letter to
the Overseas Service Pensioners' Association stated that
recognised that the transition of Hong Kong to a
HMG
Special
raise
Mr.
Administrative Region of China on 1 July 1997 would
problems in relation to HMOCS comparable to those
raised in other Dependent Territories at independence.
Luce also mentioned that it would not be possible for HMOCS
service to continue in Hong Kong after 1997. There have
been similar Ministerial assurances since then.
CONFIDENTIAL