布政司署
香港下亞畢道
CONFIDENTIAL
• Our Ref.: EBCR L/M 54/73
* Your Ref.:
C.S. 41A
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HONG KONG
7th May, 1974.
The Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, Mr. Brian Slevin, recently wrote to Sir Robert Mark enquiring whether he might be able to assist in finding a candidate to fill one of the senior posts (Director of Criminal Investigation) in the Hong Kong Force. Sir Robert wrote back encouragingly, kindly offered a candidate and suggested that we should put the matter on a formal footing by writing to you.
2.
The
I enclose copies of Mr. Slevin's letter and Sir Robert's reply. We are very appreciative of Sir Robert's prompt and helpful response, but there is one aspect which causes us some slight uneasiness. introduction of an outsider into the Hong Kong Force at this level would, understandably, cause some upset among serving officers; but this would be minimised if the incoming officer were of substantial experience and seniority. The post of Director of Criminal Investigation is at Senior Assistant Commissioner level here. We think that a candidate of at least Commander rank would be acceptable, but that senior serving officers would be discomfited by a Chief Superintendent coming in direct as Senior Assistant Commissioner.
it
3.
Although this aspect of course does not relate to the merits and ability of any possible candidate, should also be borne in mind that the size and complexity of this job is such that an officer with a mixture both of operational and high level organisational experience is the ideal. Perhaps you will agree that, this being the case, an officer of Commander or Deputy Assistant Commissioner rank would more likely fill the bill.
4.
I understand that Mr. Slevin has reconsidered the age limit (previously fixed at 45 years) and with this limit removed, the number of candidates at Commander level might be less restricted. He has written to Sir Robert about this.
5.
If you have no objection to our pursuing the matter, I should be most grateful if you would pass these
Sir Arthur Peterson, KCB, MVO,
Permanent Under Secretary of State,
The Home Office,
Whitehall, S.W.1, England.
CONFIDENTIAL
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