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The present system was designed for a less developed society. If the reorganisation should require changes in Royal Instructions or other rules I shall be ready in principle to make these at your request. I accept that some decentralisation and devolution may well be needed to make the best use of scarce administrative resources. It is also important that Hong Kong and the other dependent territories should continue to be able to attract and to keep staff of the highest calibre. We will do what we can to help you.
7. The rising crime figures in Hong Kong are one of your most urgent problems. You are planning a new anti-crime drive, involving all the forces of the regular and auxiliary police. Law enforcement must clearly remain the responsibility of these authorities, but you rightly believe that their efforts can only be successful if they are backed up by the positive support of the whole community. The war against crime will be one of your most urgent tasks for 1973.
I have, etc.,
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ALEC-DOUGLAS HOME.