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Reference....
5. It was my strong impression that Mr. Tyrer is most
anxious not to do anything that would bring the real
circumstances of his departure from office into the open.
On the other hand, he has a sense of grievance and, I
think, a feeling that we could perhaps do more than we
have done to "save his face". In this latter connection,
I should mention that he referred once more to employment
here.
He does not seem altogether pleased about the
somewhat imprecise attachment we have arranged for him in
the Police Adviser's Office. If we could offer him more
permanent and tangible employment, I feel that we would be
likely to hear less about his retirement from Hong Kong. I
thought on this occasion I detected some interest in employment abroad (although on a previous occasion he indicated that he would not want this).
6. My conclusion is that Mr. Tyrer is not really seeking
to challenge his departure from office in Hong Kong. He wants
some opportunity to state his side of the case. Whether
honour and amour propre would be assuaged if he was allowed
to make written representations to the Secretary of State (to which we could reply, after consultation with Hong Kong, in suitably soothing and sympathetic terms) I cannot for certain say. He might argue that he ought first to be
informed in writing why his retirement had been sought. But
it seems to me, subject to 0.D.M's views, to be a possibility.
It would, of course, be quite outside the standard, prescribed
procedures; and there may be dangers in such a course in the
absence of a clear understanding with Mr. Tyrer that this was
essentially a means of enabling him to put his side of the
reconsideration story on record and that it did not involve any recommendation
of his original decision to give notice of voluntary retirement.
7. Mr. Godden is arranging for the Minister of State to see
Mr. Tyrer in the week beginning 14 August. It would be
helpful perhaps if the Minister could have by then 0.D.M.
views on the points raised above and any thoughts Mr. Macoun
may have about further employment.
Copies to:
Sir Arthur Galsworthy
Mr. Godden
Mr. Macoun
(Drafted by Mr. Carter)
3.8.67.
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