TNAG-0687-FCO40-836-Disturbances-by-police-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 177

Mr Murray

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

PS

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK.382/16.

RY NO. 5.

NOV 1977

HONG KONG POLICE FORCE

1. In my submission of 3 November I described the demonstration and forcible entry of the offices of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) by off-duty policemen in Hong Kong who were protesting against the operations of ICAC.

2. On Saturday, 5 November, I was telephoned by the Chief Secretary, Hong Kong, who told me that during the week beginning 30 October there had been a further series of meetings by off-duty policemen and that the Government had come to the conclusion that there was doubt about the ability of the Commissioner to control the rank and file and inspectorate of the Force. The resentment felt against ICAC and its operation was stronger and more deeply rooted than had previously been thought. At a meeting of the Governor's Security Committee on 5 November, it had been decided that it was necessary to announce measures which would satisfy the demands of the Police sufficiently to prevent any further demonstrations and to preclude the possibility that the Police Force as a whole might stop carrying out its duties in the maintenance of law and order.

3. It was decided by the Governor's Committee that two concessions to the Police would be announced:

(a) a form of amnesty. This would take the form that no complaints in relation to offences committed before

1 January 1977 would be investigated by ICAC except in the

case of persons against whom warrants had been issued, persons who had escaped from Hong Kong to avoid investigation and persons who had already been interviewed by ICAC;

CONFIDENTIAL