CONFIDENTIAL
MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
B
C
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were seeking to create an inside track for DS applicants for posts in other DTS, when we already have a life-long career
but when HMOCS officers are threatened with unemployment or
working for a communist sovereign after 1997, would cause
outrage.
11. Before leaving Hong Kong Lord Wilson of Tillyorn wrote to
the PUS arguing for proper handling of Hong Kong HMOCS
officers' claims to be given priority consideration for posts
in other Dependent Territories. The PUS replied to Mr
Patten stating that, bearing in mind the needs of the
Dependent Territory concerned, we will treat applications from
members of HMOCS and the Diplomatic Service on their merits,
and on an equal basis. Since then there has been discussion
in the Office as to how to interpret and implement this line. Mr Patten has recently replied, thanking the PUS for this
assurance but reiterating that HMOCS members will think that
this is the very least we could do.
Argument
12.
If
Departments agree that applications from HMOCS officers for appointment in the DTS should be favourably considered. WIAD's and Ministers' wish to build up a DS cadre is
not incompatible with genuine equality of treatment.
outstanding HMOCS candidates come forward, the objective of
maximising continuity and available expertise could be met by
appointing them to the Diplomatic Service, in order to retain their services on a long-term basis; or longer term contracts
could be offered including the option of more than one
posting. In practice the steps we have taken to give young DS officers experience in WIAD, SAAD and the DTS means that DS officers should increasingly have more relevant experience than HMOCS officers and should prove stronger candidates in equal competition. This would not be as a result of any bias in recruitment practice.
hmocs.psts.ADM
SLM
CONFIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
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