OUTWARD TELEGRAM
69
54144/3/47
Cypher (0.7. P.)
TO HONG KONG (0.A.G.)
FROM S. OF S.
COLONIES.
42
No. 1046 Secret.
Sent 5th July, 1947. 11.45 hrs,
Your secret despatch No. 20,
Indian Police,
Ansd. (90)
1. Whilst I appreciate reasons why Indian contingent is felt to be desirable in present circumstances, I feel I should point out that arrangements regarding nationality in event of withdrawal from Commonwealth of India or any part of India have yet to be determined and that the question of the retention in Colonial Police Porces of Indians who become the subjects of a foreign Power will, if the occasion arises, require careful consideration.
2 If, however, notwithstanding this possible complication you prefer that the arrangements described in your despatch under reference, should proveed, I do not wish to raise any objection, and the India Office are being notified of action taken,
·30
Reference paragraph 2 of your secret despatch No. 20, I note that officers who have exhausted their leave and do not signify thei: willingness to return within a reasonable period after notification will be regarded as absent from duty without leave and will be digniosed. Thie I take it, connotes discharge with agrominy, which I foel might in the circumstances perhaps be somerhet too drastic. I consider therefore that it will be better if the letters inviting the Indian Police officials to signify their willingness to return to duty make it clear that any officer who returns a negative reply or fails to reply at all, will be regarded as having vacated his appointment, To will also
14 be desirable to make it clear that, except for those over 45, they will lose any claim to pension or gratuity.