CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL
7.
I had also previously had a personal word with Anning about the situation. He said he regarded Howell as a very competent officer. He did not, frankly, think that you would be likely to get an officer of Commander rank, all of whom were firmly fixed in their jobs; and he wondered whether Hong Kong might perhaps have been over-grading the Assistant Commissioner slot. In terms of years of police service, he thought that Howell would compare favourably with any of your senior police officers.
8.
I am not sure what this adds up to. The request to Sir Arthur Peterson is in the machine and it would presumably be merely confusing to cancel it. I have not been able to discuss the question with Michael Macoun, who is still away. On the other hand, if the Commissioner is willing to promote Howell, the problem of his acceptability to the Hong Kong police hierarchy presumably falls away, and he himself is obviously keen to join you, which must be a plus point.
9.
Perhaps the answer is that, if you have time on your forth- coming visit, you might be able to have a word with Sir Arthur Peterson, and even with Sir Robert Mark. This would ensure that, whoever is chosen, there are no ruffled feathers. If you would like to do this, Perhaps we could make the necessary arrangements for your programme?
Yours ver Andrew
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
CONFIDENTIAL AND IAGONAL,
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