TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 121

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988

BRIEF NO 15: CIVIL SERVICE QUESTIONS

Objectives

1. To seek views on morale in the civil service.

Points to make

[With Governor]

Civil servants' morale seems to remain generally good. Scale of emigration problems among civil servants?

Need

General compensation scheme: as you know, I have concluded that

some form of scheme is necessary and that it should be funded by

HMG. Difficulty lies in persuading others that this is right.

to get the Defence Costs Agreement behind us before taking this

further with colleagues.

[For general use]

Conscious of need to maintain morale of Hong Kong public

service. Key factor in Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

(Defensive)

(a) Introduction of General Compensation Scheme for Her Majesty's

Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS)

Ministers have stated in Parliament that HMG fully recognise

the particular concern of HMOCS officers in Hong Kong and will

continue to keep their interests in mind in the 10 years leading up

to 1997.

Particular considerations apply in respect of Hong Kong:

guarantees under Joint Declaration that expatriates may continue to

serve after 1997.

Am You ANY

No decisions yet taken on special measures,

such as

compensation, which might be appropriate in Hong Kong's unique

circumstances.

CONFIDENTIAL