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officials have resolved their problems, and that they are
content to leave lower ranks unprotected.
6. From HMG's point of view a sterling safeguard also has "very significant drawbacks". But I believe the political atmosphere for Ministers to decide to provide such safeguards for HMOCS officers would be improved if HKG were to take positive action on behalf of the civil service
generally, ie if we could present a partnership approach to expatriate and local civil service concerns. Hong Kong's
tendency to tell us, first, that issues are complicated and will require a long period of study and, finally, that they have ruled them out (for no very clear reasons)do not inspire confidence or help us in fighting their corner within
Whitehall. We need to show that HKG are taking tough
decisions, to the limits of their abilities, and not just leaving us to pull their chestnuts from the fire.
7. But even if the sterling safeguard question did not arise I think we would have a strong case to agrue that the security of civil service pensions is a matter on which HKG should consult us closely, rather than merely informing us
of their decisions: it has a strong bearing on the governability of Hong Kong, and a strong Chinese dimension.
Nor.
N J Cox
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Pensions, if we are to Garry Ministers.
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