CONFIDENTIAL
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
14 October, 1968.
Dear Bill,
Hong Kong Police Force
32
3.5
Thank you for your letter HWB 3/16 of 20 September about the possibility of conferring some mark of distinction on the Hong Kong Police Force and the Auxiliary Police.
2.
From the point of view of our relations with China we can see no objection to the Governor's suggestion that a member of The Royal Family might be asked to be "Commandant-General" (or the like) of the two Forces. We should see this as an appropriate way of recognising their excellent performance during confrontation. As regards the change of name, the Governor points out that the title "Royal" could be presented as stemming naturally from the acceptance of a presiding function by a member of the Royal Family. This could no doubt be used as justification if it were decided to proceed. But given the innate suspicion of the Chinese Government towards any move in Hong Kong that can conceivably be interpreted as reflecting on the constitution, we still have doubts about the advisability of doing so. We should accordingly like to discuss the matter fully with the Governor when he is here.
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63
115 OCT1968
HWA 3/16
Your
Jom
ever,
(J. B. Denson)
Far Eastern Department
LAST
82
A. W. Gaminara, Esq., C.M.G.,
Hong Kong Department,
Commonwealth Office, London, S.W.1.
EAST PAPER
CONFIDENTIAL
R.205.
File
Jepr.
is still with Atlantic
AN
15.
10.
68.