APPENDIX II
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(Mr. Liu's letter of July 4, 1977 to Mr.D Y .Chow a former classmate,
residing in Japan).
The major part of this letter is transcribed below, for the purpose of providing information on Mr. Liu's attitude towards his work and his future.
Recently, I've no time for love affairs. I must concentrate on my work. I've been assigned to Yaumatei Police Station, also called the "Gold Mine
Beat" because there is a lot of bribery money. But since the establishment of the ICAC, it's dangerous at the police station. Every man is worried. I'm the head civilian staff member here, and would not want to get
involved in bribery.
I'm in a state of worrying about inside and outside. On the outside,
I must prevent the superintendent from bullying the new men. On the inside, I must make sure that the new recruits do not slack off on their jobs.
My post is called "The Three-level Position". I must relate to the
top official, the middle managers, and the working force. It is a test for me, and will reveal if I am strong enough.
The first few days I arrived here I was tense. Now I feel more relaxed.
On the surface my staff appears all right, and I feel at ease.
I keep telling myself that all my worries are only self-induced.
I am learning how to relax.
I feel that I'll require 3 months to settle down, 6 months to feel at
ease with my men. After 2 years everything will be perfect.
It's not at all easy for a freshman government worker.
I'm tense because personnel affairs are very complex at a government department like the police. And I'm situated in Yaumatei, which is especially complex. There is black money in Tsim sha tsui and Temple Street. It's a big temptation for the policemen.
I'm the #1 civilian staff in this station. My boss is the superintendent
of the station, and a foreigner. Our relationship is formal.
If I make a mistake, everyone will be watching me and no one will come
forward to help.
With a
It is just like the Outward Bound Jungle Survival Course. knife in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, I must live in the jungle. Surroundings are filled with snakes and beasts. It is a great test for me. Let's see if I am really steel.