XN000022-1978-01-27 — Page 19

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Friday, January 27, 1978

Any survey of Hong Kong's recent performance and prospects would be

incomplete without some reference to the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. Neus

tends to be bad news, and my first point is that the trauma of the past few

months should not obscure the significent successes-operational-that the

Force is achieving and has achieved.

There can be li .tle doubt that it has become far more effective in its in its main task the containment of crime. Its greater strength, its improved

organisation, equipment and professional skill, have done much to reduce crine, improve detection, and to make people safer.

Furthermore, the relationship of the Force with members of the public,

and its awareness of the need for the closest cooperation with thone whom it

is their duty to. protect, has greatly improved.

But I would not have called in: very senior team of UK Officers if I

thought that all was well. Obviously the law must be en forced whether by

Folice or on Police or on any other member of the public service. If there

are some 30 foolish as to think that in modern Hong Kon; it could be

otherwise, they should come to their senses; there is no room for compromise.

But I believe that in the Force as a whole attitudes have been affected

by some genuine rievenecs and by a songe of ill-usage, as well as by

misunderstandings, and that there are probably weaknesses in communication

and chain of command and other factors resulting fro: very raid expansion

which have contributed. I very much hope that the United Kingdon team with

local help and action will be ble to assist in putting all this to rights.

I also believe that a police association could play a very useful role,

provided it is properly motivated and responsibly led.

L

!

The Royal