SECRET
RECORD OF DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
22-23 OCTOBER, 1968
16.
PROPOSED ADDITION OF "ROYAL" TO THE TITLE OF THE
HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
The Governor had put forward this proposal simultaneously with a suggestion that a member of the Royal Family be asked to accept in an honorary capacity the post of "Commandant General" (or some equivalent title) of the Hong Kong Police Force and Auxiliary Police Force. The Governor said that he would like an opportunity of reconsidering his first proposal if the second one came to nothing. He added that consideration was being given to the possibility of a visit by the Hong Kong Police Band to Britain in 1970. If his two proposals found favour it might be appropriate for them to be implemented immediately following such a visit.
17.
Since the Fijian Police Band also had plans for a visit in 1970 it was agreed that Mr. Macoun should write to the Cimmissioner of Police, Hong Kong, and make further enquiries about the timing of such a visit. It might be possible for it to be brought forward to 1969 if the necessary planning could be completed in time.
18. As soon as the necessary details had been obtained, the Governor's proposals would need to form the subject of a submission to the Permanent Under Secretary with a view to an
The informal approach being made to Sir Michael Adeane. submissi on would need to cover the question of according the
the matter of an prefix "Royal" to the Hong Kong Police Force; approach to a member of the Royal Family to accept the post of "Commandant General" in an honorary capacity; and the timing of the implementation of these proposals in relation to any visit which the Hong Kong Police Band might pay to this country in 1969 or 1970. It was agreed that Princess Alexandra with her considerable Hong Kong associations would be an appropriate and popular Commandant General; and that an approach to Princess Margaret for the purpose would not be justified in view of the appointment's comparative lack of importance.
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