IN CONFIDENCE
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF HMG IN OPENING CONSULTATIONS WITH HMOCS REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG
Majesty's Her
considered
Majesty's
Government
have carefully
how
make to
provision
for
Overseas
Civil
Service
in
members
the
of
Her
special
of
Hong
becoming Kong
circumstances
Administrative Region
The
a Special of the People's Republic of China on have taken note of the government they have received from the members of the
Association of HMOCS in
and other individual Hong Kong
officers.
recognise
1
July 1997. representations
They also
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
than longer
envisaged.
The
are
government grateful for the sense of responsibility and patience shown by HMOCS officers.
2.
HMG
outline of a
payments
to
representatives
Schemes
circumstances
now
formulated
a
for
an
have
proposal scheme providing compensation and incentive
officers HMOCS
wish to consult the
of the officers concerned about it.
and
been tailored
always have
to the particular
in the territory concerned and it has been
the policy of HMG to try to ensure that the arrangements that are made when the Secretary of State relinquishes his responsibilities
not such as to encourage members of
when territory
it still needs their
are
HMOCS to leave the
services.
HMG
In the case of Hong Kong, it is the policy of that arrangements introduced in respect of HMOCS should
contribute to
a smooth transition in 1997 and that members
should be
continue to serve in
of HMOCS
Hona Kong
encouraged
to
to assist in maintaining its economic prosperity
and social stability.
IN CONFIDENCE