Mr McLaren
Cc: Mr Macoun
CONFIDENTIAL
AKK 382 PRECEIVED IN REGISTRY 4105 51
- 9 OCT 1978
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PAPA
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ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
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1. I share the gloomy view of the meeting with Sir Murray MacLehose of 16 August expressed in Mr Macoun's minute of 17 August. On the other hand, I think we are slightly further forward on the main issue, i.e. the appointment of the next Commissioner since my understanding was that Sir M MacLehose would now reflect on three names Henry, Crane and Sir Colin
My Woods and put his thoughts into a letter to the FCU. own view is that Henry will not do, and that if the Governor should express a preference for him we should say very firmly
As for that our preference is for an outside appointment. timing though, it looks as if we shall not be able to get the new man into position, whoever he is, until next year.
2. I think the arrangements for the Special Branch "inspection" are shaping up all right, and I am grateful to Mr Macoun for arranging with the Security Service to draft Terms of Reference for a Security Intelligence Adviser.
and if
3. My main concern is with Mr Macoun's paragraph 6; the Governor should revert to his insistence that retired Army officers should be appointed as District Chief Superintendents (Administration), I think we should resist it strongly, on grounds However, I would of police morale and general public confidence.
be grateful if r Macoun could again press the Home Office to continue looking for two or three experienced police officers of the right calibre and seniority.
DF Murray
18 August 1978
CONFIDENTIAL
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56
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