As regards the second point: the Governor in Council seems to have gone along with the view that, if HMG can be persuaded to accept responsibility for our plight - which they recognise, although I am told that their sympathy is tempered by the level of salary adjustments for serving officers in recent years - then they will be relieved of at least one (real or imagined) political problem. But, of course, HMG is not going to be so helpful other than at HKG's expense and why should they be ? To have devised SPOS to put all UK resident Crown service pensioners on an equal footing vis-a-vis annual shifts in the cost of living is one thing; to expect HMG to accept a financial obligation in respect of the sterling value of a HKG officer's basic pension or to pick up exchange rate losses is
another.
This brings me finally to your assurance "that other options to provide an equitable solution for HMOCS pensioners (sic) are being pursued vigorously by this administration with HMG". May I please know what these other options are ? As you know, I have asked repeatedly for specific details of the proposals to HMG (see my letters to Barrie Wiggham and recently to you), but only generalisations have been forthcoming so far. Now I must ask again in the context of the discussion I had recently in the Executive Committee of the Overseas Service Pensioners Association, when your letter conveying the Governor in Council's decision was examined together with various ideas as to the next move to be made.
Before we take this issue to Ministerial level in the FCO through OSPA, as we are bound to do, we would like to know precisely what the HKG has proposed to HMG. Apart from saving time it may also avoid embarrassment to the HKG. I am afraid that generalisations will not do, so kindly be as specific as you can. After all, it is our welfare and future which are under discussion, and it follows that we have a right to know just what is being proposed on our behalf.
I am copying this to the Governor and to the Senior Unofficial Member of the Executive Council.
Colvyn Haye
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