SECRET
}
(18)
Reference..
SPEAKING NOMES FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN CABINET
ON THURSDAY, 20 JULY, 1967
HONG KONG
Commissioner of Police
6. Last week it was regrettably necessary to remove the Commissioner of Police from his command. The Acting Governor reported to us that under the current pressure he had lost his nerve and the confidence not only of the
Commander of the British Forces and the Governor's close
advisers but also of his own officers. His Deputy who, during the absence of the Commissioner on leave, was in command of the force throughout the early disorders until
the middle of June has once again taken over.
7. The Commissioner has been brought big to England.
So far the reason for his departure from Hong Kong is
not publicly known. He is ostensibly here for consultations
on police and security matters. It is expected that, in
present circmpétences, we shall be able to find a useful
role for him here. We hope this will provide a plausible
explanation of bis continued presence in the United Kingdom
and will carry him on for a time until his retirement can be
conveniently announced without undesirable repercussions.
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
19.7.67
SECRET