TNAG-0703-FCO40-868-Recruitment-policy-for-Hong-Kong-use-of-Colonial-Regulation--1978 — Page 19

CODE

18-77

Mr Greenwood Legal Advisers

Reference. HK.A4.1.2/393/3.

PA

HONG KONG: RECRUITMENT POLICY

HK have now come back on the question of the interpretation of Col Reg 18 (folio 5). What they are suggesting seems at first sight contrary to the intention of the regulation, especially the sentence 'The claims of meritorious officers in the Public Service will generally take precedence over those of persons not already in the Public Service'. However, this is not cut and dried since it only says 'generally'. Can you see any reason why we should not agree to HK's line. Localisation is an

important part of their policy for the Public Service and they would not be denying overseas officers the chance of pypmotion

within their own branches.

9 March 1978

Mr. Grosin

:

NF GREEN

Hong Kong & General Dept

are

right,

porsionally doubt if the assy very

though Colreps 18-20

clear.

It has always

ave

that " mentorious officers in the public

Service

in

been

understandin

my

- not just

means mentorions in the

Colrey 18

a

Officers anywhere taritory where there is At least this has been the

in

Vacancy the interpretation in relation to posts to which Cheveg 19 applies. Otherwise that req could not