approve of
12
*
i
acceptance of the same calculation.
2. In his proposal for an increase of the establishment of gazetted officers in the Police Force referred to above the Govenor has pointed out that the increased allowance for leave reserve on which the proposal is based can be reduced when the accepted policy of appointing local of icers to gazetted ranks as soon as they have acquired the necessary training and experience begins to take effect; and that the establishment can then be correspondingly reduced. I think we should refer to this point here also.
3. As regards the proposed increase in what I may call the basic establishment (i.e. the number of posts to be filled by administrative officers before leave reserve is calculated), there have been several developments of various kinds, which I need not detail, since the Governor's despatch of 3/9/47 was written and Mr. Ross, the long-awaited efficiency expert, has at last been secured and should be in Hong Kong by March. On 53723/48 (in connection with Hong Kong's proposal to increase the number of Class I Cadetships) we had some correspondence with the Governor in the course of which we advised against the practice of posting Administrative Officers to the charge of Departments which could be headed by Departmental officers. Finally, I agree with Mr. Radford that the proposal for an addition of 4 officers to the establishment so as to provide leave replacements for 7 posts not ordinarily filled by Administrative Officers seems to warrant more careful consideration.
In all these circumstances, and since Hong Kong has not so far suggested that this increase in establishment is a matter of urgency, I think we should give the Governor the opportunity of reconsidering the actual number of posts in the light of Mr. Ross's investigations.
4. Draft savingram herewith embodying the above.
Thiking
Jus
1.2.49.
Police Extort file which was
In initialled the with this, or with me. the deft. if you agree with it
Wire Jope.pn o re-cire & on Redford орис
o wintry in para 2 orfe S'gram is where min
of