CO129-581-2 Leave and pension regulations 27-1-1939 - 16-1-1940 — Page 26

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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.