TNAG-0815-FCO40-1021-Visit-of-police-advisers-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 124

CONFIDENTIAL # 2

For discussion

on 10th January 1978

HKK 382/1

XCC(78)6 Copy No

No 78141 of Page 1

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

VISIT OF SPECIAL POLICE ADVISERS

FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM

• •

'1

of 40

19

On 3rd January, under "Other Business", the Governor outlined the arrangements which he had made with the Home Office, in consultation with the FCO, for a small team of senior UK police officers to visit Hong Kong.

2

The visit has been arranged to meet the need to bring impartial outside experience to bear on the weaknesses in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force revealed by the incidents of late October and early November and to advise and assist the Commissioner in taking remedial action.

3

Since the activities and procedures of the ICAC and the reactions of officers of the RHKPF to them were obvious factors in those incidents, and in the current morale of the Force, the Special Police Advisers will examine these also.

4

The Advisers will be led by Mr Jim Crane, who is one of HM Inspectors of Constabulary at the Home Office. He will be supported by two chief superintendents. The police, ICAC, and the administration will provide whatever assistance Mr Crane requires and suitable personnel and being earmarked. The team will work from offices in the Government Secretariat.

5

Mr Crane proposes to stay here initially for about five weeks, making a preliminary assessment and arranging a programme of work for the rest of his team. He will make a visit to the United Kingdom, lasting about six weeks, before returning to Hong Kong for a further period, which will last as long as is necessary to complete the work.

6

The purpose of the visit is to advise on, diagnose, and assist action to correct, the factors which contributed to the problems in November or which are likely to cause trouble in future. The Advisers' task is to initiate action, not to write a report. They will report to a Steering Group, of which the Governor will be Chairman. They will work in close cooperation with CP and CAC, and have direct access to the Governor as necessary.

C.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL #3