CONFIDENTIAL
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The public generally welcome the amendment of the Police Force Ordinance which gave the CP the power to dismiss
instantly any Police Officers who disobeyed orders.
This was regarded as an effective deterrent to further mass demonstrations. Some were however apprehensive
that if circumstances were to force CP to exercise this
power, the various Police Staff Associations might object strongly.
The public felt that this incident clearly illustrated
the importance and strength of public views as affecting situation and determining the trend of events. Some
Kaifong leaders had in fact said that it was because of
the public's speaking out in condemnation of the Police that the Police had ceased to be arrogant and aggressive. But undeniably, there had been a very sudden and dramatic
change in public attitudes over the past days; from uncertainty, fear and despair to developing a sense of security and confidence.
Some members of the public had observed that this mass
action by the Police challenging authority might be taken
as an unfavourable precedent.
Other community leaders felt that the announcement of the
Amnesty was too sudden, they considered that the Police
would not dare to reject the Amnesty had there been
indications that this Amnesty was arrived at after careful
consultation with the community leaders.
Others pointed out that there were problems ahead :
investigation on the Hutchinson House Incident; investiga-
tion of Police Officers who were not absolved from the
Amnesty, and the morale and credibility of ICAC.
Other members pointed out that HE's speech was well
delivered, he was clear and sure and frank in his deliver-
ance so that he reached out every effectively to the
community at large. It also indicated that the Government is still a paternalistic government.
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