CO129-612-2 Police Department- petition from European memebers of Inspectorate 29-1-1948 - 22-7-1949 — Page 129

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surrender of Hong Kong resulted in the Police Force being interned.

The conduct of the non-gazetted Officers of the Force

was exemplary during their interament.

Since liberation the majority of these Officers were on

recuperation leave in the United Kingdom until the Spring of 1947.

From this it will be seen that they did nothing to jeopardise their

rights to promotion.

In paragraph 1 of this minute I make reference to

promotions and wish to bring to your notice Sir, with emphasis,

certain promotions to the rank of Chief Inspectors which took place

on the 28th. March, 1947.

Immediately prior to 12/3/47 rumours of impending

promotions

Inspector to Chief Inspector

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were prevalent, many

names were rumoured as being the ones to receive this promotion.

Needless to say many senior Inspectors would be affected

should these rumours prove correct.

ï, as Chairman of the European Inspectors Association was

approached by many, but to them I explained that as it was only

a rumour and not fact I could do nothing. I was repeatedly

requested to approach the Commissioner on the subject. I refrained

on the grounds of rumour. However, on 11/3/47, one, Inspector S.G. SMITH approached the Commissioner on the subject, mainly due to the fact that rumour had it that he was being "jumped for

promotion".

promotion.

The Commissioner told him that such promotions were being made but would not disclose the names of those put un for

Inspector SMITH asked if he were being so promoted, the Commissioner replied "no". Inspector SMITH then asked the

reason for such and was informed that he was not considered fit enough to hold the tank of Chief Inspector, although he was working well.

After this interview Inspector SMITH came to me and in the presence of another committee member and six other officers, lodged

a complaint.

The ection of Inspector SMITH killed the rumours and gave me the right of approach to the Commissioner on the subject.

That afternoon, 11/3/47, I saw the Commissioner of Police,

who, without..