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10. We already know that the HMOCS Association have focused
on the issue of employment in other DTS : their
representatives raised it with Mr Goodlad when he last visited
Hong Kong. For a number of reasons HMOCS officers are already suspicious of the Diplomatic Service: any suggestion that we were seeking to create an inside track for DS applicants for
posts in other DTS, when we already have a life-long career
but when HMOCS officers are threatened with unemployment or
working for a communist sovereign after 1997, would cause
outrage.
11.
Before leaving Hong Kong Lord Wilson of Tillyorn wrote to
the PUS arguing for proper handling of Hong Kong HMOCS
officers' claims to be given priority consideration for posts in other Dependent Territories. The PUS replied to Mr Patten
stating that, bearing in mind the needs of the Dependent
Territory concerned, we will treat applications from members of HMOCS and the Diplomatic Service on their merits, and on an
equal basis. Since then there has been discussion in the
Office as to how to interpret and implement this line.
Argument
₤2.
Departments agree that applications from HMOCS officers for appointment in the DTS should be considered, but
WIAD consider that priority should be given to Ministers'
decisions to build up a DS cadre, ie DS officers should be
preferred to HMOCS officers. HKD believe that there should be genuine equality of treatment. The objective of maximising continuity and available expertise could be met by appointing
successful HMOCS officers to the Diplomatic Service, in order
to retain their services on a long-term basis; or longer term
contracts could be offered including the option of more than
one posting.
hmocs.psts.ADM
SLM
13.
We need a line for Mr Goodlad to use when he meets HMOCS
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