CO129-608-1 Police Department- European inspectorate 11-1-1947 - 28-1-1948 — Page 45

54144/3B/47

452

Palace Chambers,

Bridge Street,

S.W.1.

14 January, 1947.

Dear Butler,

I spoke to you on Monday about the problem of getting some policemen to Hong Kong urgently. I now enclose a copy of recent telegraphic correspondence with the Governor on the subject.

When we telegraphed on the 6th of January there were then some 70 Police officers ready to go and we had been pressed to get them to Hong Kong by the Chinese New Year, which I understand falls on the 21st of January. There are now some 85 men ready to go and there will be a further 30 ready at intervals during the next month or so.

We are arranging for 20 of them to be shipped in the "RANCHI" which is due to leave on the 26th or 27th of this month, but we are anxious that as many as possible of the remainder should proceed by air. The Governor explains in paragraph 4 of his telegram of the 11th of January the reasons why it is essential that these Police officers should reach Hong Kong without delay. I think you will agree that the reasons given are sufficient to justify the grant of high priority for their journeys.

GROUP CAPTAIN H.J. BUTLER.

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