SECRET
Cypher/Cat A
PRIORITY HONG KONG TO COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Telno 1839-
SECRET
9 December 1967
639
Sir D.
650
(DTD)
ستا
Your telegram No. 2455: Police Morale.
Following is C.P's assessment with which I agree:
(a) Bomb attacks have caused no lowering in morale especially amongst the more older and experienced officers, but there is of course a natural apprehension by their families as to their safety. The younger and newly joined rank and file may be somewhat more affected due to inexperience and pressure being brought to bear on them by their parents to leave the force and find safer work.
(b) In general the bomb attacks on the police have had the effect of 'closing the ranks'. However a rapid increase in police casualties and, a matter for even more concern, attacks on police families could have an adverse effect on morale. Combined with this we must not ignore the effect of the Communist Press or of any feelings which may be caused, rightly or wrongly, that Government is not taking a positive stand against the Communists.
(c) Working long additional hours over prolonged periods has so far been accepted by the police, especially where there has been positive action. As is to be expected however long periods of inactivity or lack of results can lead to a feeling of frustration, but this has not to date resulted in any noticeable lowering in morale.
Trench
DEP ARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
C.O.
H.K.D.
F.E. & P.D.
O.P.A.
F.0.
F.E.D.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63
LAST REF.
699
HWA 1/17
LEXI
Ref.
EEEEE
SECRET