TNAG-0815-FCO40-1021-Visit-of-police-advisers-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 47

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to pouch, and said that they would be strongly opposed to releasing Sir Kenneth Newman. The story is spelt out in the Governor's two letters of 20 July to Sir D Roberts. The Governor has since told

I ue that he does not intend to pursue this possibility further. am sure this is right.

6. The Governor subsequently asked the FUS to approach the HoLe

Sir A Office for help in finding alternative candidates in the UK. Duff did so in Sir M Palliser's absence and the results are recorded in his letter of 8 August to the Governor. The Governor will be calling on Sir Robert: Armstrong to discuss the five candidates suggested immediately before his meeting with you.

7.

You will see that the list included Mr Crane, who has the advantage of being well regarded in Hong Kong as a result of his recent review. The Overseas Police Adviser regards him and far Pain (Chief Constable of Kent) as outstanding candidates.

8.

The

it a meeting with the Governor last month you and Ir Cortazzi suggested that there might be advantage in creating an ad hoc advisory committee to interview short-listed candidates. Governor was not enthusiastic about this idea but accepted that it might have some public relations value (your minute of 21 July). I am not myself convinced of the need for such a Committee and um

We will need to concerned about the precedent which would be set. discuss further with the Governor.

9. Appointment of Senior Officers

At the end of last month we received a request from Hong Kong to approach the MOD with a view to recruiting two ruy Officers, of Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel rank, to fill posts as Chief Superintendents (District Administration) (Hong Kong telno 926). The Overseas Folice Adviser expressed reservations about recruiting Army Officers and spoke to Iir Crune, who shared his doubts. Macoun also spoke to fir Slevin (currently on leave in the UK). Slevin was surprised at the indication in the job description

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