be made after the first review, which should not be
later than 1st July, 1948. I consider that reviews
should be made quarterly thereafter until suitable
permanent machinery is set up. This should be done
at earliest possible date. If you consider it desirable
to do so you will no doubt insert a warning on this
point in the announcement.
4.
Expatriation pay is prima facie a matter in
which uniformity should be secured as far as possible
between the several Far Eastern territories, since it
represents basically the inducement necessary to
attract officers from outside. I appreciate that
political implications need to be taken into account
but I nevertheless wish to give further consideration
from aspect of general principle.
5.
and I note that difference between actual rates proposed
by the two Commissions is not substantial,
You will see that proposed announcement
includes reference to early publication of report.
This seems to me desirable to forestall inevitable
enquiries, and indeed it would be difficult to justify
further delay. I am telegraphing to you separately
regarding publication with reference to your confidential
despatch No.266.
6.
As regards retrospective application, I under-
stand that when recommending 1 January 1947 Commission
was aware of assurances mentioned in paragraph 16
of your confidential despatch No.215, though not of
their precise terms. I feel, however, that in
present financial circumstances of Hong Kong the
earlier date you urge, namely 1 October 1946, could
not be justified even on grounds put forward in
your despatch. It is also pointed out that
1 October 1946 would not in any case meet the
assurance given to the Fire Brigade floating staff
which seems to have promised unconditionally
retrospective application to 23 July. In these
circumstances I consider that date recommended by
(127)
(67)
Commission,