CODE 18-77
Mr Grundy
Overseas Police Adviser
V226
File
Reference.............
50
HKA 233/6
HMOCS OFFICERS: POSTS IN OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES: POLICE OFFICERS
HKA 382/1
20
1. Further to Mr Stone's minute to you of 2 October, I thought it would be useful to update you on arrangements which have been put in place recently to ensure that HMOCS Police Officers in Hong Kong are considered for posts in other Dependent Territories on an equal basis to Diplomatic Service candidates. This issue is not directly related to our discussions on arrangements for HMOCS officers in Hong Kong, but has arisen in that context and reflects concern on the part of HMOCS members in the police force about their future.
2.
When an FCO/ODA team met members of the HMOCS Association in May this year, the Association raised the question of HMOCS members in Hong Kong applying for posts in the remaining smaller British Dependent Territories. The Association felt that as the last serving members of HMOCS, their members should have a prior claim for consideration to such posts.
3.
Subsequent correspondence between the Governor and the PUS and discussions between HKD, WIAD, PPD and PMD led to the decision that we would treat HMOCS applications for posts in other DTS on an equal basis with DS applications. Mr Goodlad gave assurances to this effect when he met members of the HMCOS Association in September. We concluded, however, that HMOCS have no right to prior consideration for these posts.
4. The attached correspondence from Hong Kong indicates that the Royal Hong Kong Police Force would, therefore, like to be advised of posts coming up in other Dependent Territories in plenty of time to apply. Given our recent assurances on this matter, it is important that we keep HMOCS aware of any likely vacancies, so that they can apply at the same time as Home Civil Servants.
5. I would, therefore, be grateful if you could ensure that HMOCS officers in Hong Kong are made aware of vacancies well in advance of the closing date for applications.
Budget kris
Bridget Paris
HKD WH303
270 2652
20 October 1992
cc Mr Fish, ODA
Mr McGarvey, ODA
RESTRICTED