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30 years
mind.
ago which were not drawn up specifically with Hong Kong in
10. We consider that there is merit in consulting the Chinese
rather than merely informing them. The Chinese in practice make
little distinction about this. We consider that the most
appropriate time and forum for this to be discussed is at JLG XV.
We would propose to say that we shall need to announce the scheme
before long but before doing so we would want to take account of any
Chinese views. If after some weeks we have not had a response we
could then consider a deadline. We would need, in making our
presentation, to make it clear that there could be no question of
HMG not meeting its obligations to HMOCS. We consider that the
subject would probably best raised outside the plenary session so
that there would be no need to define whether or not it is on the
formal agenda.
Promulgation in Hong Kong
send out a
11.
Past practice elsewhere has been for the HMG to
team, usually from the ODA, to explain the scheme to staff and to
answer any immediate questions. I recommend that we follow the same
practice in this case, sending a joint ODA/FCO team. Thereafter HKG
have agreed that the Civil Service branch could act as the main
channel for communication with staff on matters arising from the
scheme. Payments under the scheme will need to be made by ODA
direct on appropriate certification. CSB could provide this
certification up to 1997 but there could be no guarantee that these
arrangements will continue beyond 1997. If they did not then
presumably any necessary certification could be provided thereafter
through the British Consulate General. It will clearly be important
to differentiate as far as possible the fact that this scheme is
nothing to do with HKD. This is vital to reduce the devisiveness
that the scheme may produce within the Hong Kong civil service.
hope however that the fact that most local officers in comparable
posts to HMOCS officers, will be eligible for the nationality
too package and therefore will not
will not feel te disadvantaged.
We
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