(6)
26
though that might cause great hardship to the widows of European
officers recruited in Hong Kong. If the Hong Kong Government
think that they now should, and with propriety could, withdraw as
regards such sporadic cases the unconditional promise made in 1902,
even in the case of existing, or of "paid-up", contributors, it
would be possible to devise a form of financial resolution designed
to meet the fear of such a risk, without at the same time taking
away our rights. If, however, they should decide on such a
course it must be remembered that domicil sometimes raises very
difficult questions, and that even about the place of recruitment
there may be a possibility of doubt. We would therefore in that
event press for a clear and definite letter, to each of the officers
entitled to the 3/-, rate, to the effect that his widow's "dollar"
pension, if any, will be paid in England at 3/-.
11. We would also submit, in the same event, that
all European officers who were to lose the effect of the promise
of 1902 should definitely be informed of that fact, and that the
whole service should be clearly informed of the new position.