4. On 5 November, therefore, the Governor's Security Committee decided that two steps must be taken to preclude the danger that the police might stop carrying out their duties:
(i) an amnesty was declared, under which ICAC would carry
out no further investigations of complaints relating to offences before 1 January 1977, except in cases where proce- edings had already been started (the amnesty also does not
apply to people who have left the Territory to escape investiga- tion and people involved in particularly "heinous" cases);
(ii) a Committee was to be set up to monitor the ICAC's operations and investigate complaints against it.
5. Although these measures were received favourably by the
majority of the police, a small number were not satisfied. These
were mainly officers already under investigation and they tried to incite their fellow officers not to accept the concessions unless the amnesty were extended to cover those against whom proceedings had already started. Further meetings were held between representatives of all ranks of the Police Force and the Deputy
Commissioner. On 7 November the representatives of all ranks pledged loyalty and gave undertakings that in future consultations would only be pursued through established channels.
6. On the afternoon of 7 November the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed a Bill empowering the Commissioner of Police to dismiss summarily any police officer for disobedience of orders. This was in reaction to the renewed threat of police disorder.
7. The latest report from Hong Kong indicates unqualified public support for the measures taken by the Government. Police operations are back to normal but the Governor's estimate is that, although they have passed a turning point in this affair, there is still a danger of relapse. The interdicted men still have considerable
prestige among some of their colleagues.
8. The Governor's actions were in accordance with his powers
under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
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