17-DEC-1991 18:36
HK GOVERNMENT HOUSE
+852 521 1868 P.04
7.
On the question of pensions, Our position is
that the Joint Declaration does not provide the level
of safeguards that HMG has always deemed it necessary
to include in Public Officers Agreements with other
territories
prior to
the transfer of
dependent
sovereignty. Many of us
us have served in other dependent
territories, and are aware that, had it not
it not been for
the guarantees given by HMG in respect of the payment
of pensions, a large number of HMOCS Members would have
been rendered destitute. All of Our service has been
with the
the Crown, and HMG has the same responsibility to
HMOCS Members in respect of pensions as it does to Members\
of the Home and Diplomatic Services.
8.
Whilst we remain committed to achieving the
objectives of the Joint Declaration for the benefit of
all of the people of Hong Kong, we are conscious that
the PRC Government has often adopted a pragmatic approach
to the Declarations provisions which, in different future
circumstances, could be to the disadvantage of pensioners
who are Members of HMOCS. It is for this reason that
we believe it to be incumbent оп HMG to provide the
pension guarantees which have been given elsewhere.
9.
As the last serving Members of a proud and loyal
Crown service, we are sure that HMG does recognise our
offer the
and will be anxious
be anxious to offer
legitimate interests, and will
full assurances we seek.