MEMORANDUM.
143
20.
Sometime before the Japanese War the Government of Hong Kong
contemplated a substantial reorganisation of the Police Force and with this object in view a new Commissioner of Police was
The programme of specially appointed from outside the Colony. reform and reorganisation was interrupted by the fall of Hong Kong. But during the Japanese occupation and since, the matter has
received careful considération.
2.
The following principles have been accepted by the Government of Hong Kong and approved by the Secretary of State (I) The non-gazetted grades of the European establishment of the Police Force should be considerably reduced, principally by removing posts lower than Sub-Inspector from the European establishment. (II). The salary scale of the non-gazetted ranks should be adjusted so as be appropriate to a smaller European establishment consisting only of Sub-Inspectors and higher ranks. (III) Posts removed from the
European establishment should be filled by persons of local domicile who would in accordance with general policy hold more
positions of greater responsibility than hitherto.
3.
In normal circumstances reform of this kind which were
thought desirable six years ago would be introduced forthwith.
European
Certain/members of the Hong Kong Police Force, including those
not considered suitable for promotion to the grade of Sub-Inspector,
would be compulsorily retired on abolition of office with the
pension or gratuity provided in such circumstances under the Police
Force Ordinance 1932.
Circumstances however are not normal in
that most of the men were interned and can reasonably expect to
resue their former employment after recuperative leave.
4.
It has therefore been decided that compulsory retirement
from The Hong Kong Police Force shall at this stage be limited to
mthose liable to it under existing law.
5.
It has further been decided that any member of a non
gazetted grade of the European establishment of the Force may at
his option retire now even though he has not reached the normal
retiring age of 45.
6.
A member of the.....