CO129-607-5 Police Department- Indian Section 8-1-1946 - 15-9-1947 — Page 46

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time the Indian Contingent will be gradually run down and consideration

will be given to the possibility of raising a new contingent drawn

from Chinese other than Cantonese. It is considered that the presence

of at least 300 well-trained Indian Police is for the time being essential

not only to strengthen the Police Force as a whole but also as a safe-

guard in circumstances in which it might not be possible to rely on the

loyalty and effectiveness of the local Cantonese contingent.

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I take this opportunity of reporting that similar

action in respect of the Indian Prison Officers was initiated in

February, 1947, when, with the consent of the Punjab Government, a

European Prisons Officer was despatched to Lahore to organize the

return to Hong Kong of all Indian Prison Officers, none of whom it

is proposed to retire on abolition of office. This action was

necessitated by the proven unreliability of the Cantonese and other

local Prison staff which has been recruited since the re-occupation.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Mt.

OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT.

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