GUARD
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INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
FROM HONG KONG (0.A.G.)
06536
Cypher
D. 12 July, 1967./
R. 12
12452
FLASH
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(U.K. EYES ONLY)
No.1016
Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated P. A. Singapore No.235.
HWB 1/17
My telegrams Nos. 1012 and 1013.
Hong Kong Confrontation.
I regret to have to report that after deep consideration I have decided that Tyrer must be relieved at once of his command of the Hong Kong Police Force.
2.
It is clear that under current pressure he has lost his nerve and the confidence, not only of C.B.F. and my own close advisers, but also of his own officers. There is incipient loss of confidence in his leadership of the force by unofficials, the general public and the press. There is increasingly unfavourable comparison between the spirit and effectiveness of the force in the first month of confrontation when Eates was in command and in the last month since Tyrer's return from leave, which in my opinion is justified.
3.
It has become quite apparent since the border incident on 8 July that the force lacks any forceful leadership and direction and the risks of a quick deterioration or morale throughout the force are grave. If this failed, public confidence would rapidly evaporate.
4.
Most recent developments have confirmed that further delay could be serious and I have therefore informed Tyrer this evening that I wish to have his application to retire on pension by 10.00 hours tmorrow, failing which I shall, subject to your approval, institute immediate proceedings for his compulsory retirement. (No question arises, so far as I am aware, of retirement on medical grounds.)
5.
I have naturally taken this decision with great personal reluctance but in the knowledge that in the opinion of myself, C.B.F. and my closest advisers it was urgently necessary in the interests of the morale and effectiveness of the police force and of public confidence generally. I regret not having given you advance warning.
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16.