TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 327

2.

338

CONFWENTIAL

3

In order to effect MacLennan's arrest, officers of the Special Investigation Unit considered two courses of action available, viz., (a) a surprise visit to his flat and (b) a planned arrest in his Formation Commander's office. The latter course was selected as the most appropriate, having considered that:-

(a) MacLennan was probably in possession of a service revolver,

as most C.I.D. officers are, thus he might be tempted to misuse the weapon,

(b) there might be the possibility of destruction of material

evidence,

(c) he worked irregular hours as a C.I.D. officer and might

not be located at his flat,

(d) there might be outcry regarding his arrest due to his

previous history. In fairness to MacLennan and the arresting party, the presence of an independent senior officer was considered appropriate,

and (e) there was information indicating that MacLennan had

been in contact with a witness, a male prostitute, and this might lead to his being aware of the S.I.U. investigation against him.

It was decided that his Formation Commander be informed beforehand to give enough time to allow for adjustments to his duty and working hours so that he would be available without undue interference to police duties. 1000 hours on the 15th January, 1980 was considered to be an appropriate time for the arrest. This plan was considered and approved by Mr. W.M. Ross, Chief Superintendent in-charge of the Special Operations Group, C.I.D./H.Q. in conjunction with Mr. R.L. Brooks, Superintendent in-charge of the Special Investigation Unit.

3.

Having decided on the venue for the arrest action, on the 11th January 1980, Mr. Ross telephoned Mr. J. Trotman, D.S./K.C., MacLennan's Formation Commander, informing the latter that MacLennan was to be arrested and charged with Gross Indecency. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Trotman to arrange for MacLennan to be in Mr. Trotman's Office at 1000 hours on the 15th January, 1980 so that the arrest could be effected. Mr. Trotman asked if the time could be put back to 1030 hours to allow Mr. Trotman to complete his morning conference. This was agreed.

4.

At about 1245 hours on the 14th January 1980, Mr. Trotman summoned MacLennan to the office. Mr. Trotman told MacLennan that someone from C.I.D. Police Headquarters wanted to interview him and would be coming across the following day, i.e. the 15th at 1030 hours. Upon hearing this, MacLennan enquired as to who it was from Headquarters and Mr. Trotman replied that it would be the S.I.U. Mr. MacLennan' 5 only comment to this was "I thought all that nonsense was finished with ages ago." There was no further discussion on this matter and MacLennan left.

15.