TNAG-2096-FCO40-2985-HM-Overseas-Civil-Service-(HMOCS)-general-correspondence-1990 — Page 99

Isom

28 MAR 1990

Mr A D McInnes

President

Association of Expatriate

Civil Servants

Central Government Offices

East Wing

Lower Albert Road

Hong Kong

PS/Mr Maude

I submit draft reply.

Miht iffare.

M V Stone, HKD

30 March 1990

(cc Mr Paul)

Thank you for your letter of 15 January about the pensions of expatriate civil servants in Hong Kong.

As you know, the Joint Declaration contains very clear assurances in respect of the continued payment of pensions after 1997, and there is no reason to believe that this undertaking will not be honoured by the future Hong Kong SAR Government. If, however, the situation after 1997 warranted it, I am sure that the British Government of the day would take appropriate action in recognition of its responsibilities to HMOCS officers.

The question of pensions for its civil servants is of course a matter for the Hong Kong Government. I understand that the Hong Kong authorities are now examining ways of taking account of the kind of concerns about security of pensions expressed in your letter, as the Chief Secretary confirmed to the Legislative Council on 7 February.

Francis Maude

SUNABD