HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc1198-9
28. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances in which the Hong Kong police launch disappeared from its moorings on 29th July; and what steps have been taken to prevent this happening again.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that steps are being taken to prevent such an incident happening again?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I hope so, Sir.

Following is the answer: The launch, manned by a Chinese corporal and nine constables, was seized in the early hours of 29th July by three armed Chinese acting by pre-arrangement with one member of the crew who was on armed guard duty at the time. The four men are then said to have brutally murdered the Chinese corporal and after overpowering the remainder of the crew, who were asleep and unarmed, to have steered the launch to Chinese territory. In response to Her Majesty's Government's inquiries, the Chinese Government subsequently returned the launch to Hong Kong together with eight of its crew. The Chinese constable and his three accomplices who seized the vessel were not returned. A Magistrate's jury in Hong Kong has since returned a verdict of murder against these four men and warrants have been issued for their arrest. As regards the second part of the Question, all Hong Kong Police launches at moorings are now guarded by shore police as well as by their own crews. Frequent visits by officers in charge and shore police are also made.