(2711/46)
SECRET
No. 32
Amid (10.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
1000
HONG KONG.
September, 1947.
369
Sir,
54299/47
I have the honour to refer to previous correspondence resting
(7) with your secret savingram No. 53 of 2nd July, 1947, on the subject of (1) the Protected Places (Safety) Ordinance, Ordinance No. 16 of 1946, and
to inform you that after consultation with the heads of the three Services and with the Commissioner of Police, I consider it advisable to retain this measure for at least another six months.
2.
Reports from the Services indicate that since the Ordinance came into force there has been a marked decrease in looting from all protected places with the sole exception of the Engineer Stores Depot at Shamshuipo, which being open to the sea on the western side is very vulnerable to unauthorised entry. It is evident that the knowledge that guards are permitted to open fire has generally had a salutary effect on would-be intruders.
3.
The powers granted under the Ordinance have been very sparingly used; fire has been opened only four times in the period of review by Naval guards and twice by Military. On two of the above occasions casualties were inflicted: one member of a party of looters in the Naval area at Kai Tak aerodrome was wounded on 4th February, 1947, and subsequently died; and one of a pair of looters who broke into the Engineer Stores Base Depot in Kowloon in May, 1947, received a bullet in the thigh. No case of shooting has recurred since the beginning of June, 1947.
Lie
In view of the facts stated above and of the fact that so far as I am aware no word of criticism has been voiced concerning the powers given under the Ordinance or the way in which they have been employed, I consider that the retention of the Ordinance on the statute book for at least a further period of six months need occasion you no concern or alarm.
RECEIVED
18 SPF..A/
C. O. REGY
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
A. CREECH JONES, M.P.
COVERITOR
GOVERNOR.
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