TNAG-0037-FCO40-73-Effort-to-improve-relations-with-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 55

000323

CONFIDENTIAL

Visit to Hong Kong of the Minister of State, Commonwealth Office.

Present:

FINAL DISCUSSIONS, SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER, 1967.

5. E. the Governor

Minister of State

Acting Colonial Secretary

Deputy Colonial Secretary P. A. C. S. (S. D.)

Terms of Service.

1

18/

Assistant Under-Secretary of State.

The Governor described the difficulties arising from the differences between expatriate and non-expatriate terms,

e. g.

children's passagos, educational allowances. He thought the only solution would be to make a reality of HMOCS with the local Government paying for an oxpatriate only what it would pay for a non-expatriate officer.

2.

The Assistant Under-Secretary said that the problems were under consideration in London. There were considerable difficulties. The Commonwealth Office was sympathetic and trying hard to find a solution.

S.

The Minister indicated that he would look into the matter on Lis ToTurn to London.

Royal Title for the Police Force.

The Commissioner of Police is investigating the reaction of

tae Force to this proposal.

Relations with HMG and Parliament.

5.

The Minister said he would endeavour to arrange a debate in the House of Lords and to ensure that Hong Kong's problems were boter underjood in London. He would ask MPs interested in Hong Kong to call on hir... He had invited Hong Kong Unofficials to call when in London or to wr..e to him.

6.

The Minister said he had arranged with the Director of 1.forz tion Services for the Hong Kong English-language newspapers and the Chinese press summaries to be sent to his office.

The Assistant Under-Secretary referred to the Hong Kony misterial Committee and the Under-Secretaries Committee (Commons. ce, FO, MOD and representatives of other Departments as required), mich meets weekly or fortnightly and keeps in close touch with the ong Kong London Office, There is also an Information Services Commit

nk Disposal Team.

The Minister had made it clear that if reinforcement wa... he should be informed (and would give his support) at the same time -5 -

eplication was sent through military channels.

ixed