SECRET UK EYES A
ACOS HQBF HK
to longer-term perceptions of their future. J1/J4 identified two measures that believe could redress this trend:
14.
a. An improvement in passport allocations for LEP in tranche 2. (Proposals are with Ministers).
b. Payment of terminal gratuities to be brought forward before the end of service. (This proposal has just been submitted by HQBF HK to MOD SP Sec 1b for staffing).
LEC. ACOS J1/J4 HQBF HK stated that any requirement to hold LEC pay increases down to the UK 1.5% public sector ceiling would contribute significantly to increasing LEC premature outflow. Inflation in HK was running currently at about 10% pa. During considerable discussion on this Sec (0) (C) stated their belief that the guidance given to Civ Sec HK had been that the UK ceiling did not apply to Hong Kong, but that pay increases should be kept as low as local conditions permitted.
After Note. Sec(0) (C) have now confirmed that guidance for LEC pay awards world-wide have been issued, and that the 1.5% rule applied in the UK does not apply elsewhere. Local conditions
should be taken fully into account.
15. PR Update. ACPR (Mil) confirmed that an input for the 1993 Review had been submitted. ACPR (Mil) went on to identify three areas in the next few months that would attract particular media interest and necessitate PR responses:
a.
b.
C.
16.
P
The DCA issue.
LEP/LEC retention.
Exercise JOINT EMBLEM in Hong Kong.
Info. During subsequent discussion PR/P Info issues, CBF made the following points:
a.
on
The drawdown would inevitably attract increasing media interest as it progresses.
b.
Even after its formal cancellation, Exercise WINGED DRAGON 92 had continued to attract considerable media attention, to the extent that it had dominated the press conference given by SofS in January.
c.
As a matter of principle, decisions on rundown/withdrawal and significant Garrison activities should be announced openly to the media as and whenever possible. Sec(0) (C) endorsed this point, in particular
5 OF 10 SECRET UK EYES A
Sec(0)(C)
HQBF HK CPR
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