decision), on balance I do not feel that it would be right for us to press Hong Kong to defer the announcement any longer. It is of course just possible that the announcement has already been made
locally.
2.
The reasons why I take this view are first and foremost because I believe it undesirable in Hong Kong's present circumstances that there should be any prolonged public uncertainty about who the substantive Commissioner of Police is to be. The Police are after all engaged in a battle, and all members of the Force ought to know as soon as
possible who their Commander is to be. This I think is all the more important because our information is that Mr. Eates is very popular with all ranks, and much admired by a wider public in Hong Kong. I do feel therefore that the announcement of his substantive promotion to the post of Commissioner can be a factor contributing to the maintenance of Police and public morale. Equally, any prolongation of public uncertainty on this point could expose both the Hong Kong Government and Ministers here to some criticism. 3. Two further points which weigh with me are as
follows
4.
-
(a) According to Mr. Hall's helpful note
(a)
Lord Shepherd made clear to Mr. Tyrer that there could be no question of the latter's returning to Hong Kong. Mr. Tyrer must therefore know that his post in Hong Kong will be filled by some body else; and he will
know that this cannot depend in any way upon
the answer he returns to Lord Shepherd later
this month.
On July 20th we issued a public statement, with Mr. Tyrer's concurrence, to the effect that Mr. Tyrer was unable to return to Hong Kong for health reasons and had sought permission to retire from the Public Service and that the Secretary of State had in the circumstances given his approval to Mr. Tyrer's
retirement.
After discussion with Mr. Hall and Mr. Carter have accordingly revised the final paragraph of the draft telegram, which can now issue.
ANG.
(A.N. Galsworthy)
1st September, 1967