SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON HMOCS
(29 JULY)
Points to Make
General Points
- We agreed in margins of Cabinet that we should both be
flexible in order to reach a solution.
- I am willing to consider any proposals as long as the overall
scheme we present stands a reasonable chance of acceptance by
HMOCS.
Should recognise that the Governor is in a difficult position:
if he is to retain the support of HMOCS he cannot be seen to have agreed to a package which they regard as unfair. We must certainly avoid a situation where the Governor cannot support
publicly our proposals.
Compensation
-
ODA's latest figures show my proposed scheme would cost
£46 million, whereas your proposal would cost £32 million.
Our officials are agreed that it should be possible to produce an acceptable scheme costing £39 million.
Suggest we ask
officials to finalise a scheme on this basis.
Sterling Safeguard
I have stressed before the presentational value of a rate of HK$16:£1, and that even at this rate the chance of any liability
being incurred is remote.
- I have looked for flexibility in our position. If you could agree a rate of HK$16:£1, we could accept the mechanism for the safeguard proposed by your officials.
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SLM