TNAG-0076-FCO40-112-Retirement-of-the-Commissioner-of-Police-1967 — Page 77

TOP SECRET

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

FROM HONG KONG (0.A.G.)

3

072.2

J

Cypher

D. 13 July 1967

1200Z

Ro

13

IMMEDIATE

TOP SECRET No.1030

Addressed to Commonwealth Office Repeated

POLAD Singapore No.238

(Please pass IMMEDIATE)

Your telegram No.1424.

Tyrer.

Tyrer has agreed to apply to retire and I expect this in writing tomorrow morning. He will leave for London

He will tomorrow if passage available otherwise on Saturday. report to Carter on arrival.

20

I propose to make an announcement in the following terms shortly before his departure:-

"The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edward Tyrer, is travelling to London today for consultations with the Commonwealth Office on the current security situation in Hong Kong. He is expected to discuss matters relating to the organisation of the police force and proposals for strengthening it to meet (4 present circumstances. During his absence

Mr. E.C. Eates, the Deputy Commissioner, will command the force."

30

I propose this line after consultation with my senior Chinese member of Executive Council who felt strongly that there should be no immediate announcement of retirement. This is acceptable to Tyrer and is in my view the best solution. I hope you will agree.

40

The fact that Tyrer will not be returning can be announced in agreed terms later at the appropriate moment. Meanwhile at his request I shall retain his letter of application to retire, when received, in my personal possession until that time comes.

5.

Tyrer has naturally taken this very hardly but also uncomprehendingly. While prepared to leave at once he was in doubt as to whether to offer to retire voluntarily. It is possible that once in London he may wish to withdraw the letter and insist on proceedings for compulsory retirement, although I very much hope he will not, This can be considered, if and when it arises, with some sympathy in view of the short time he has had to consider the matter fully.

6.

I am grateful for your support

TOP SECRET

/Passed