CO129-612-1 Police Department- petition from European memebers of Inspectorate 21-1-1947 - 17-2-1948 — Page 24

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say that, although a transfer from one Force to another in the United Kingdom involves resignation from the first Force, pension rights are not forfeited and that similarly a transfer to the Hong Kong Force ought not to involve them in loss of pension rights. It is realised that it would be impossible to arrange for a transfer to the Hong Kong Force with preservation of pension rights, and secondment is suggested as a way out of the difficulty.

4. It is also asked that, should those men return to duty with tacir previous Forces, they be re- instated at the appropriate point in their original salary scale and not lose seniority or promotion by reason of their secondment (if agreed) to Hong Kong.

5. we fully appreciate the difficulties attaching to these proposals, but nevertheless reel strongly that everything possible should be done to remove this grievance of the petitioners. I should be very grute- ful if you would let me have your comments on the suggestions, and whether you would see any objection to the County and Borough Police authorities concerned being approached directly by the secretary of state on this subject or whether it would be nove appro- priately done through the Home Office. we are hoping to receive a full list of the officers and the Forces concerned from the Governor in the near future, mÌ I will then pass it on to you.

Yours sincerely,

SIGNED W. C. NICHOLLS

(.S. Nicholls)