(5)
(6)
These men were employed for the duties of policemen in Hong Kong, and it is absurd to say that by "immediately employing them on police duties" the Hong Kong Government recognised their previous police service. They were of course employed on the police duties for which they were engaged, and for pension purposes at least their previous police service is recognised.
On this point, the writers are under some misapprehension. I have confirmed from the Home Office that the Palestine Police Officers who have been absorbed into the Metropolitan Police have not had their previous service, taken into account for the purpose or rank or pension. All that has been done is to take their previous service into account for purpose of determining the point of entry into the Metropolitan Police pay scale. It is pertinent to remark here that on this point there can be no comparison, since the Palestine Police personnel concerned were redundant on account of prevailing circumstances, and the writers voluntarily left their Home police appoint- ments to take up Colonial employment.
The reply to the petition referred to at (A) was made by the Secretary of State only after very full consideration of the whole circumstances by the Governor and the Colonial Office ((37) on the 1947 file refers), and having regard to the petition of the non-Home policemen in Hong Kong, the reply would appear to be adequate.
10
Max, 1948.
The representations of Mr. J.D.Brawn are identical with the others, but the case is not quite the same, since Mr. Brawo was an ex-County Policeman and the position concerning these men is still under consideration with the Home Office.
The Home Office have informed me that, owing to pressure
ACT in the Department concerned in connection with the new it has not yet been possible to furnish a reply to the points put to them in the Colonial Office letter of 20th January 1948 ((41) on 1947 file). They are however pursuing the question of the ex-County Policeman, but are unable at the moment to give a definite reply. I have added to the attached draft reply for consideration, to cover this particular point.
WChichalls
Fenggade C
31 may 48
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