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44. As recorded earlier in my report, I attended meetings with the Staff side of both the Senior and Junior Consultative Councils. Records of both meetings will be sent to the Commissioner and to the Secretary for the Civil Service.
45. Prior to my visit there had been some pressure on the part of the European Inspectors Association (represented on the Senior Council), which had received press publicity, for closer consulta- tion with the Commissioner of Police and senior officers in Police Headquarters. This emerged and was frankly discussed. Some constructive suggestions were made and it is hoped that they will be followed up.
46. The Junior Consultative Council was largely concerned with conditions of service and certain in-built anomalies. The problem of rank and file housing was also stated to be a matter for concern.
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47. The Internal Security Capability of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force remains second to none in the Dependent Territories; counter-terrorist rôle is highly organised and equipped and the inter-dependence with the Armed Services in an Internal Security situation is clearly defined and provides for effective operational integration. A draft paper on the principles of employment of the Army in support of the Police is attached (Appendix A). This has yet to receive the approval of His Excellency The Governor and CEFHK but it may be assumed that it will be accepted as a realistic and practical basis for Police/Military cooperation in an I.S. situation.
48.
Finally, prior to my departure from Hong Kong on Sunday 5 December 1976, I was invited to give a brief Press conference at Kaitak Airport.
49. I felt it incumbent on me not only to indicate the progress in development of the Force and its inherent ability and will to meet the challenges of the crime situation in Hong Kong but also to issue a plea for better understanding by the media and the community of the difficulties under which the Force operated. In this context, I felt it appropriate to issue a warning on the cumulative effect of what appeared to be an irresponsible and free use of innuendo directed against the Police. I pointed out that if this were not abated, police morale would undoubtedly be eroded and that the effectiveness of the organisation on which the public depended upon to fight crime and preserve life and property would be progressively destroyed.
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