CO129-616-5 Public Order Ordinance- 1948- proposed amendments 16-3-1949 - 2-6-1949 — Page 6

54384/41/49

HỐNG KONG

NO. 117

COLONIAL OFFICE

THE CHURCH HOUSE,

*2

GREAT SMITH STREET

S.. 1

2 June, 1949.

$

sir,

I have the honour to refer to your Confidential despatch No. 45 of the 16th March, 1949, about the Public Order Ordinance.

2. I note that you will review the necessity for the reference to firearms in Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Ordinance when more settled conditions are restored. I accept your view that the issue of any special instructions to the Police regarding the use of firearms under the sections in question which may be necessary may wait until an Order is made by you making all or any of the sectiona operative.

3. I note the reason you give for the distinction between the wording of Section 10 and that of Sections 9, 11 and 12. I must confess that the information at present before me seems hardly sufficient to justify what might be regarded as an authorisation to use firearms without the exercise of a proper sense of responsibility. The difference between this section and the other three sections marks in somewhat pointed fashion the relaxation in the degree of care required in the other three cases and it appears to me may well lead to recklessness,

4. In view however of recent events in China and resulting psychological repercussions in Hong Kong I realise that to amend Section 10 now might have a bad effect on public morale and I therefore do not wish to press the request for early amendment made in my despatch No. 33 of the 7th February. I nevertheless trust that, subject to any further comments you may wish to make in amplification of your despatch under reply, when a suitable opportunity presents itself, the Ordinance will be amended on this point.

I have the honour to be,

sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

GOVERNOR

SIR ALEXANDER GRANTHAM, K.C.M.G.

ETC., ETC., ETC.

fame A Creach Jones