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SUBJECT: FROM: TO:

Hong Kong, 27th December, 1945.

Return of Interned Officers.

Col. C.H. Sansom, Commissioner of Police, H.K. Civil Affairs Headquarters Secretariat.

In view of the possibility that interned officers may be expected back earlier than it was originally believed, the following consideration of the future positions of the gazetted officers is submitted.

Mr. Pennefather-Evans will be 52 years of age on 4.1.46, it is very clear that he did not have the confidence of the officers under him and he should not resume duty in Hong Kong He probably will not wish to return,

Mr. Sparrow is in my opinion an excellent oflicer.

Mr. Calthrop, I don't know, he is 41 years old and came out of Stanley very ill.

Mr. Major is a good officer. He did not seem to assert his authority sufficiently. This may have been due to his state of health and lack of responsibility placed on gazetted officers in the pre-war set up. It is hoped under the reorganization scheme that he will have more scope to exhibit his capabilities.

Mr. Thompson is a competent officer. It is recommended that careful consideration sho ld be given as to whether he should return to Hong Kong after his next leave or be given a transfer to another colony.

Mr. Bidmead is a mediocre officer who earned unpopularity owing to his behaviour in camp. It would be best for him to try him out in another colony.

Mr. Wilson is an energetic young officer. There are unpleasant rumours regarding the manner he conducted himself in Kowloon after release from camp. I reserve judgment.

Mr. Heath is a satisfactory officer.

Mr. Shaftain is 54 years of age and it is unlikely that he will return. His experience of Hong Kong is vast and his energy is great. A valuable member of the Police

Force.

officers.

Messrs. Searle and Luscombe are promising young

Messrs. Wright-Nooth, Fay and Mackenzie are still

young and inexperienced.

officer.

Mr. Tyrer shows promise of making an excellent

Mr. Booker is 55. I am not in a postion to comment on his capability.

Mr. Elston is a satisfactory C.I.D. officer.

The following officers have been acting as A.S.P's:- C.I. Chester Woods who it is understood is competent

/but

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