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Moreover, there is I think another advantage to this proposal. It is a little tenuous, but nevertheless I believe valid, to argue that the grant of the "Royal" title above might be taken by the Communists at this time as a gratuitous compliment to the Police Forces and by implication a deliberate affront to them. If, however, it were announced that a member of the Royal Family had consented to be Commandant-General, and it was implied that the "Royal" followed, I believe the Communists would be less likely to take offence.
As to which member of the Royal Family should be asked to be Commandant-General, this I suppose would be a matter for H. M. the Queen: but there is no doubt that H. R. H. Princess Alexandra, with her considerable Hong Kong associations, would be an appropriate and popular choice.
I should be grateful if you could let me know what you think about these proposals and give me your advice on how I should proceed with them if you support them. Meantime, you may wish to suggest to the Prime Minister's Office that an interim reply indicating that the matter was under consideration should be sent to Lt. Commander Maydon's letter.
Yuns ever Чино
David.
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