CONFIDENTIAL
an application it was highly unlikely it would succeed. Residents Requirements
5.
The MOD also confirmed that they would enforce the
residency rules (it was not clear whether this would be post-1997 or now). They maintained that this was essential to
enable a proper assessment to be made of loyalty,
relationships etc. While the Security Services urged a
flexible interpretation of the residency rules, the armed
forces tended rigidly to apply the five year requirement.
Where to from here?
6.
G
We clearly have a problem in this area and on the
question of consular protection for Chinese race spouses
vis-a-vis our policy of trying to encourage HMOCS members to stay on post-1997. During the discussions with the HMOCS
Association in May, we already moved away from the sentence in
our opening statement that members of HMOCS should be
encouraged to continue to serve. We shall have to continue this move, making clear that it is up to the individual concerned to consider his own case and weigh up the pros and
cons. We also need a credible line to take on this issue, and
we have a letter outstanding from Mr Braithwaite of the
Superintendents Association. I shall draft something after consulting the Home Office on the police vetting question.
Hong Kong Department
22 July 1992
AM22/7
gt: Mr Ricketts
Mr Cox
Miss Williams
Mr Fish, ODA
Ms
Mr Fifoot, Legal Consultant
emp.hmg.ADM
SLM
CONFIDENTIAL