it, a reduction would be made after the first review, (which should be made at the earliest possible date as
soon as the necessary machinery is set up) or after any succeeding review. /
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
Haaptable
that
which uniformity could be secured as between the
several Far Eastern territories, since it represents
basically the inducement necessary to attract officers.
from outside. On the other hand I understand, there
are special political implications in Malaya (as
there are no doubt also in Hong Kong) and that
term "expatriation allowance" is itself considered
objectionable. Difference between actual rates
The two
proposed by thie Commissions is not substantial and it
is important to avoid any impression that uniformity
outside:/n
side:/nevertheless
in this matter is being imposed from outside; nevertheless,
I wish to give further consideration from aspect of
general principle.
5. 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.
feel
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. It is felt here, however, that in
present financial circumstances of Hong Kong it would
be difficult to justify earlier date you urge, namely
1 October 1946, 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
74
(127)
(67)
promised
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