५
SECRET
23 April 1993
BY FAX (via Concen
Інка 23311
26 APR 1993
DESK Orh
X
Mike Waters
23/4 AM)
DIEU
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
PA
Action Taken
London SWIA 2AH
Telephone: 071-
File
Civil Service Branch
Dear Mike,
HMOCS
Artached.
1. I have seen (in my capacity as a member of HMOCS) Ian Wotherspoon's letter of 16 March to members. While it is understandable that the Committee will do what they can to push for a decision and to get their members support for this, it is of some concern that the letter is in parts misleading. For example, it is stated in para 1 that the Committee has been informed that there will be improved SPOS arrangements and that a decision by HMG is imminent.
2. It is of course up to the Committee to decide how to deal with its members, but I am concerned that they will build up false expectations (particularly on SPOS) which may not be realised. If so, it will rebound on the Committee.
3. The extent to which HMG has agreed to a package of benefits will have been clarified if the Committee circulated to members Peter Ricketts' letter of 17 March to Barrie Wiggham. If the letter was not circulated, it might be worth having a quiet word with Ian to ensure that he is aware that no decision has been taken on whether the package will include improved SPOS arrangements.
Your
اعمه
Nigel
NC G Whitney
Hong Kong Department
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