TNAG-2188-FCO40-3125-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 10

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MO 6/19/1L

FOREIGN SECRETARY

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SECRETARY OF STATE

HONG KONG ASSURANCES: LOCALLY ENTERED STAFF WORKING

FOR THE BRITISH GARRISON

MF

When OD(K) met on 12th December to discuss assurances on right of abode for Hong Kong residents, it was agreed that the position of the garrison's 4000 locally engaged uniformed and civilian staff

should be examined again, given that the numbers that would be

likely to qualify under the main scheme looked worryingly small.

2. My principal concern is to preserve the effectiveness of the garrison and the contribution it makes to the security of Hong Kong. The continuing loyalty of the garrison locally engaged staff is essential for this, and it is my view that this can only be assured if we are able to give them a satisfactory deal on right of abode. Furthermore we need to take into account the perception of the locally engaged staff that they will be particularly vulnerable

after 1997 as a result of their association with the armed forces of the former colonial power.

3. As OD(K) noted, the scheme as it stands would be likely to give assurances to only a very small proportion of the locally engaged

staff - almost certainly less than 10%. Although it may be possible for a few selected uniformed staff to take advantage of the proposed secondment scheme this is unlikely to increase the numbers significantly. Such an outcome would be very disappointing and

could precipitate a rapid run out of staff which, if it becomes

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