CONFIDENTIAL
This is an obvious safeguard and one which I understand would be sympathetically considered by Government.
A draft paper on Police vehicle maintenance has been prepared and I would recommend that this matter now be reopened by the Commissioner of Police with Government.
(10) Police Public Relations Unit
This has been the subject of correspondence over the last year between the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Information Services and the Establishment Officer, and still remains unresolved.
Without going into excessive detail, the requirement appears to be basically a "hearts and mind" exercise where due stress should be laid on the ability of Government to govern and of the Police Force to maintain law and order.
It is clear that this can best be effected through Information nodia and administered and imparted by Information officers. Nevertheless, there is a fundamental prerequisite in direct physical association with the Police Force organisation and this can clearly best be done by location of the P.P.R. Unit in Police Headquarters, preferably as an adjunct to the C.I.D. A Police Liaison Officer should be attached to the Unit in order to provide the necessary Police "interpretation" for published material. would suggest that, as this is a matter of considerable psychological importance in the present disturbed conditions in Hong Kong, the Commissioner of Police submits agreed recommendations in consultation with the Director of Information Services to Government at an early date.
(11) Morale and Efficiency
I
It only remains for me to confirm in writing to Your Excellency ny impressions which I conveyed verbally just prior to ny departure from Hong Kong. Despite some uncertainty amongst senior officers on the delay in reorganisation of Connand and staff structure arising out of pending substantive promotions to the three nost senior posts in the Force and despite a general feeling in the Force that there should be sone upward revision of salaries, particularly of the Rank and File, morale and esprit de corps stand high.
I was most impressed with the cohesion and tean spirit evident at all levels during my visit and of the general will to continue to do a difficult job well. Throughout my visit I encountered a narked atmosphere of disciplined efficienty, confidence and
/enthusiasm
CONFIDENTIAL
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