TNAG-1372-FCO40-1818-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 64

[HK 2AFU]

BACKGROUND

CONFIDENTIAL

1.

Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) was

created following the publication in 1954 of a Government

White Paper which announced the reconstitution of a

unified service from twenty separate colonial services.

The White Paper also contained in general terms the

benefits and conditions that would be provided for HMOCS

members when the territories employing them attained

self-government.

The se terms have since provided the

basis of HMG's treatment of HMOCS members when each

colony has reached independence. Hong Kong's unique

however me an that formulations which have

used elsewhere may not be appropriate to the

circumstances

been

territory.

2.

Earlier this year Ministers were consulted in OD(K)

on the future position and treatment of the 700 HMOCS officers in Hong Kong. They agreed that:

a)

b)

c)

a

HMG should a im to agree with Hong Kong on

compensation scheme for HMOCS officers affected by constitutional change in Hong Kong, and it should be

funded from Hong Kong revenue;

HMG should a im

to negotiate with Hong Kong in due

course the provision of safeguards for

safeguards for the sterling

value of pensions earned under HMOCS up to 1997, but

should consider further the nature and timing of any

such safeguards in discussion with Hong Kong;

HMG

to

should be prepared, if specifically pressed,

reaffirm previous undertakings given in the 1960s that HMG would pay loan advances in lieu of pensions

to HMOCS in the event of a pensions default;

CONFIDENTIAL