CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: HER MAJESTY'S OVERSEAS CIVIL SERVICE (HMOCS)
The Problem
X
X.
1. HMG have a standing commitment, set out in two White
Papers of 1954 and 1960, to ensure that HMOCS members are
compensated and their interests safeguarded, in the event of a change in their status arising from constitutional change. In practice HMG have ensured the payment of compensation and the provision of sterling safeguards for pensions in the
case of every other dependent territory moving along the
path to independence. Hong Kong HMOCS members expect
comparable treatment: and HMG have recognised publicly that
Hong Kong's position raises similar issues to those of other colonies approaching independence. (Summary of White Paper
undertakings, and Ministerial statements on the public
record, are at Annex A).
2. The arrangements introduced in previous territories always included a sizeable payment of compensation to recognise the loss of the Secretary of State's
art gy live prospects
protection, and/or the right to retire at independence with
of early payment pension and a sterling safeguard for that pension. These arrangements were usually made in a Public Officers Agreement under which the newly independent government undertak to pay for them. In most cases
however, HMG funded the arrangements through aid.
But
3. The result in other territories was a rapid departure of HMOCS members at independence or shortly thereafter. our objective in Hong Kong is to encourage as many HMOCS officers as possible to stay in their posts up to 1997 and
beyond, to help secure a stable and prosperous Hong Kong and
a smooth transition in 1997. A collapse of confidence in
Hong Kong would involve heavy financial and political costs
for HMG.
NFJABA/1
CONFIDENTIAL