TOP SECRET
EXTRACT FROM REPORT BY THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE ON HIS
VISIT TO HONG KONG, JUNE 6th -"JUNE 9th, 1949%
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18.
The Police Force and Internal Security.
My talks in the Colony included a discussion with Mr. D'W. Mackintosh," the Commissioner of Police, who was one of the party with whom I toured the New Territories and with the Superintendent of his Special Branch, Mr. Wilson. I formed the impression that Mackintosh's organisation was both efficient and reliable so far as regards normal police work in the detection and prevention of crime. This impression was confirmed by some of those in the Colonies best able to judge including the Chief Justice. Much, however, remains to be done to achieve a similar standard of efficiency in relation to political crime and subversive activity. The Commissioner was confident that he could at any given moment clamp down if the internal situation became difficult, though it seems to me that this view was over optimistic without the prior introduction of a system of registration, which alone could cope with any large influx of population.
19.
The Governor has full confidence in the Commissioner, but is prepared to agree that there may be a case for considering sending out to the Colony an expert in Special Branch work who could advise on the improvement of the organisation.
20. The Officer strength of the police force in British officers is deficient of 14 out of an establishment of 41. I understand that steps are in train to post additional. officers. It is important that they should be sent out quickly.
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Summary of Matters Requiring Action
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an adviser, experienced in Special Branch work should be sent out to advise on the improvement of that aspect of police: organisation (paragraph 19);
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