7. As
Сору
Corig
on
14295)
slo
SECRET
Ausdal (+)
2
20th August, 1948.
May I refer to my secret circular despatch of the 5th August in which I suggested that following recent events in Malaya and the Gold Coast Colonial Governments should under- take a review of their security forces and arrangements? Since it was issued, I have been considering what further steps could be taken to ensure that these forces are as efficient as we can make them and to promote a general improve- ment of Colonial intelligence and special branch organisations and their co-ordination with the appropriate authorities here. I am aware, of course, of the reviews of these matters which have been undertaken in the recent past.
Among the more important measures decided on is the appointment of a Police Adviser to the Secretary of State. This proposal has not yet received final Treasury authority but I do not anticipate difficulty on that score. I enclose a copy of the terms of reference provisionally decided on for the appointment.
Formal terms of reference are of course only a basis on which an officer of the right type will largely build up his job for himself. In the first place, however, he must be some one who can speak with authority of modern developments in police and special branch work, and I hope to secure one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary for this appoint- ment. Such an officer should, in the course of his tours, be able to establish the close personal relations with Commissioners of Police and security officials in the Colonies which will enable him to. afford the maximum possible help to them in their work.
of
To Governor & Hong Kong.
/While