Reference RC 216/77/09
EFH
F G
Н
I
Fohi © HKK 1/15 attached.
J
Mr Laird
RECRUITMENT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA OF INSPECTORS OF POLICE FOR HONG KONG
1.
Further to my minute of 23 September, we have now received additional comment from RPD, RED (orally), OPA and C & SAD. Because Mr Downing and Mr Herridge, of M & VD both served in Southern Africa and because I hoped for a "migration angle", I sought their opinions also. Reference was also made to N & TD and CD.
2.
RPD and RED are not principally concerned but do not disagree; the DOPA agrees; Messrs Downing and Herridge (as individuals) fully support my view whilst N & TD and CD see no objection to recruiting in SA in so far as their Departments are concerned. Only Mr Macrae takes issue. He does so, however, on the assumption that it is residence in South Africa to which I am objecting. This is not the point at all. Hong Kong is looking for recruits with experience in the British South Africa Police (BSAP) and what I consider inadvisable is to encourage recruitment of current or former members of the BSAP who, in order to remain in a semi-military organisation one of the principal tasks of which is to enforce apartheid - have been prepared to renounce allegiance to HM The Queen and to Britain.
3.
Ex-colonial officers or ex-BSAP officers (from the days of dual British/South African nationality) who by force of circumstance found themselves in South Africa and do not agree with apartheid are in a different category but, with respect to Mr Hicks DOPA who suggests this, few if any are likely to be young enough to have interest in or to qualify for the post of Inspector of Police in Hong Kong.
4.
Mr Macrae's reference to Mr Morgan's letter ECOC 5/16 of 6 January 1970 is misleading since it refers to recruitment of mechanical and electrical engineers and building surveyors not to Police Officers.
5. A number of colleagues have suggested that before tapping South Africa as a recruiting source, Hong Kong might try Australia and New Zealand where, not only is there unemployment, but where a number of ex-colonial police are known to reside. Mr Hicks, DOPA, is aware of no objection Hong Kong might have to this suggestion.
If
6. I realise that if you subscribe to my view, a new submission and draft reply to HK will be necessary. you do agree, I will, of course, prepare these documents: if not, Mr Lambert's original draft submission is attached below.
3 bui 71.
J A Clewley
DD 737719 557664 500M 2/71 GM 3643/2