CONFIDENTIAL
B
NOT TO BE QUOTED
C
The Junior Police Officers' Association (JPOA)
One of the complaints of the malcontents last November was that they had no channels through which to express their legitimate grievances. This was a valid point and in December the Police Commissioner gave approval for the setting up of the JPOA. Initially, this was dominated by a self-appointed committee of extremists (half of whom were under interdiction) and it seemed likely to provide a focus for discontent. However, elections for an Executive Committee were held in February and produced a committee in which both moderates and extremists are well represented, with the former, it would seem having the majority. There remains a danger that the JPOA, despite the influence of the moderates, may try to produce a confrontation with the authorities: the most probable issue of contention is the Yau Ma Tei corruption case which involves 140 officers. The Hong Kong Government plan to dismiss all these officers under Colonial Regulation 55, before starting any judicial proceedings. If this manoeuvre is successful it will weaken the position of the radicals in the Association and there will be a good chance of the JPOA evolving into a normal staff association. Lord Goronwy-Roberts has sent a telegram to the Governor confirming our unqualified support in the event of attempts by the leadership of the JPOA to incite its members to unlawful action.
The Team of Three British Police Experts
After discussions between HMG and the Governor last December a team of three British police experts, led by Mr Jim Crane, one of HM Inspectors of Constabulary, went out to Hong Kong. They are examining the fundamental problems of morale and staff relations in the RHKPF which became clearly evident last November. In particular, they are looking into the poor quality of internal communications within the Force and the shortage of high calibre senior officers. The team is already looking in England for suitable officers to recruit for the RHKPF. hope to complete their investigations in April and to make a final report to the Governor then.
2
CONFIDENTIAL
They
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.