SECRET
HKA 233/1
199
046371
MDHOAN 2285
SECRET
FM FCO
TO DESKBY 02003OZ HONG KONG
TELNO 590
OF 01163OZ APRIL 92
INFO IMMEDIATE PEKING, UKREP JLG HONG KONG
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PERSONAL FOR GOVERNOR
PLEASE PASS COPIES TO MR BURNS AND COX VISITING
MIPT: DRAFT STATEMENT FOR USE IN OPENING CONSULTATIONS WITH HMOCS
REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG
BEGINS
THE HONG KONG HMOCS SCHEME
1. HMG HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED HOW TO MAKE PROVISION FOR HMOCS IN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG BECOMING AN SAR OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON 1 JULY 1997. THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TAKEN NOTE OF THE REPRESENTATIONS THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF HMOCS IN HONG KONG AND OTHER INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS. THEY ALSO RECOGNISE THAT MEMBERS OF HMOCS IN HONG KONG WISH TO KNOW
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE RESULTS OF THESE DELIBERATIONS. THE ISSUES ARE COMPLICATED AND DESPITE INTENSIVE WORK THE PROCESS OF DRAWING UP PROPOSALS HAS TAKEN LONGER THAN ENVISAGED. THE GOVERNMENT ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND PATIENCE SHOWN BY HMOCS OFFICERS.
2. HMG HAVE NOW FORMULATED A PROPOSAL FOR AN OUTLINE OF A SCHEME PROVIDING COMPENSATION AND INCENTIVE PAYMENTS TO HMOCS OFFICERS AND WISH TO CONSULT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE OFFICERS CONCERNED ABOUT
IT. SCHEMES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TAILORED TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE TERRITORY CONCERNED AND IT HAS BEEN THE POLICY OF HMG TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS THAT ARE MADE WHEN THE SECRETARY OF STATE RELINQUISHES HIS RESPONSIBILITIES ARE NOT SUCH AS TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF HMOCS TO LEAVE THE TERRITORY WHEN IT STILL NEEDS THEIR SERVICES. IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, IT IS THE POLICY OF HMG THAT ARRANGEMENTS INTRODUCED IN RESPECT OF HMOCS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997 AND THAT MEMBERS OF HMOCS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUE TO SERVE IN HONG KONG TO ASSIST IN MAINTAINING ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY.