TNAG-0750-FCO40-954-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-UK-1978 — Page 69

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appropriate, even those whom it was intended. to charge should be dismissed; but he decided

against this after being advised that the

case against them could be weakened if they could be shown to be in danger of suffering double jeopardy. We have made clear that if the dependents are acquitted any authority to use CR 55 will lapse but that we would be prepared to reconsider the cases.

4.

Reaction to these measures has been

reassuringly restrained. The general public expressed approval, though with some reservations about the generosity of allowing the dismissed officers to retain their

terminal benefits. The Junior Police Officers'

Association who, it was feared, might react by attempting to stir up trouble in the rank and file, have not objected. It would seem that the action has achieved its aim of removing the uncertainty which aggravated other causes

of low morale.

5.

These more fundamental weaknesses are still the subject of investigation by a team of 3 British officers led by Mr Jim Crane, one of HM Inspectors of Constabulary. hoped that they will have finished their investigations within the next few weeks.

It is

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