Mr. Carter
Reference. K 18/5
14
I argued the case in the minute at 13 at a further internal FCO meeting on Pensions Policy today. A decision on what, if any, commitment is to be entered into in the case of dependant territories is to be deferred pending a review by Mr. Morgan of the whole dependant territories' position in the light of our Hong Kong problems. Among other DID Departments there is certainly an inclination to accept a forward commitment before independance in order to remove the irritant (particularly in the case of Fiji) of large expatriate pensions bills falling on poor territories, but I think there is now general recognition of the unfortunate consequences public acceptance of such a commitment would have for Hong Kong.
2. Mr. Coombs suggested that after Mr. Morgan's review we should consult the Governor. It may be that the matter could be briefly raised during his forthcoming visit to the office?
Mmv
(H. H. Stewart)
18 November, 1969.
Thank you.
review, which
We must awout Mr. Morgan's I take it is unlikely to be ready
in time to consult the Governor next week. There
will in any case be virtually
the point next week
·
no
But we
opportunity to raise
can arrange a
Seision with the Governor on 8-10th December if it is
кове
decided, dewable to deto,
18/11
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