TNAG-2096-FCO40-2985-HM-Overseas-Civil-Service-(HMOCS)-general-correspondence-1990 — Page 120

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independence. The Agreements also usually included an undertaking

to the effect that the territory would comply with a request to

allow former members of HMOCS to transfer to another territory.

There

also was

undertaking that

would pensions

be paid

externally at the exchange rate prevailing at Independence.

an

We are by no means convinced that the special circumstances of

Hong Kong require the adoption of a Public Officers' Agreement.

As far as HMOCS in Hong Kong is concerned the position is

different from that which existed elsewhere as countries moved to

Independence. The 1997 date for hand-over has been well known for many years and career expectations were thus limited by this date

and by the absence of alternative dependent territories with

But in any significant manpower requirements to permit transfers. case many of the POA clauses are already written in to the

British Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong. There are

Sino

categorical assurances that there will be no loss of career for

expatriate officers as a result of the transfer of sovereignty in

1997 and pay etc will be no less favourable than before; the

Declaration also confirms that the Special Administrative Region

will pay pensions on terms no less favourable irrespective of

nationality or place of residence. In view of these categorical assurances, it would not be appropriate for HMG to introduce

alternative guarantee. However, as we move towards 1997 we will

keep under review whether the desirability of similar arrangements

for Hong Kong would be appropriate.

an

Having said that, I can well understand the fears about exchange

rates and the way this might affect the value of pensions.

Traditionally, pensions have been guaranteed under a POA at the

exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transfer of

sovereignty.

deller

The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US Then EITHER (as in your draft) There are no plans to change

this link which has proved extremely effective. Her Majesty's

Government are conscious of their general responsibilities in

relation to public service pensions.]

OR The Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US dollar and this

2.

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