Letter from Victor Blair concerning the response to his book “Made, Laid and Betrayed in Hong Kong”

Hello, BUZZ Editor

Six months ago, I wrote to you thanking you for your very balanced review of my book (Made, Laid and Betrayed in Hong Kong). You subsequently kindly posted my correspondence on your site and if I’m not mistaken, it looks as if it hasn’t drawn any response.

But I shouldn’t be surprised! For one, the events portrayed in the book happened fifty years ago and some of the characters mentioned therein may no longer be with us. Yes, as they say “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” And for many of those still alive, there’s “a lot of water under the bridge” and their lives have moved on — good for them.

One other possible explanation for the lack of a response: Back then in the police, it was quite typical for some, just to be happy to “sit on the fence and see what happens” when faced with occasional decision making. Easier to adopt the safest option and keep a low profile. Whilst I do understand that apathy comes to us all as we tread through life, it doesn’t forgive some of the police failings at the time.

Let’s finish on a humorous note on which the book focuses. Chapter 12 has plenty of parody and tomfoolery but does also refer to some serious events that took place. Knowing that some of you there at SAI KUNG BUZZ are interested in aviation, I’ll end with the illustration lead-in to Chapter 12.

Regards,

Victor Blair

Note from Editor: The review of Victor’s book can be found here; the letter can be found here.