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.
All
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient, humble
Servant
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