§ 70. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Commissioner of Police in the Federation of Malaya recently resigned; why the announcement to the public was delayed until after he had left that country; and why his resignation was not accepted when it was tendered in 1950.
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§ Mr LytteltonWhen, in November, 1950, Mr. Gray asked to be allowed to resign his appointment, Sir Henry Gurney was in England. On his return to Malaya he discussed the matter with Mr. Gray, who then withdrew his request.
When I visited Malaya in December, 1951, I came to the conclusion that the reorganisation of the police force was a matter of importance and urgency, and that it could best be carried out under a police officer with wide experience of normal police work. Mr. Gray with great public spirit placed his services at my disposal and his resignation was accepted.
The decision not to announce Mr. Gray's resignation until after his departure from Malaya was taken after consultation with him. I should like to pay tribute to the courage, initiative and determination shown by Mr. Gray in carrying out his duties in Malaya. It is greatly to his credit that he achieved so much in circumstances of difficulty.