TNAG-1548-FCO40-2112-Future-of-the-Hong-Kong-public-service-1986 — Page 147

SECRET

STAY IN SERVICE AFTER THE AGE OF 57 IF HIS EXPERIENCE OR ABILITY WERE REQUIRED FOR THE TIME BEING.

NEVERTHELESS, UNDER THE POLICY OUTLINED, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE GRADUALLY FROM THE PRESENT SITUATION IN WHICH THE MAJORITY OF SECRETARIES ARE OVERSEAS OFFICERS TO ONE IN WHICH THE MAJORITY WOULD BE LOCAL OFICERS BY THE EARLY TO MID 1990S. AN EARLY START WILL ENABLE US TO HANDLE THIS ISSUE WITHOUT ADMINISTRATIVE

DISRUPTION.

STAFF WILL BE TOLD OF THESE CHANGES ON 3RD FEBRUARY 1986.

ENDS

3. ASSUMING THAT IT IS AGREED TO TAKE THIS MATTER UP WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY COMMENTS ON THE ABOVE.

YOUDE

LIMITED

HKD

SIR W HARDING

MR WILSON

-2-

CECRET