PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM From the Governor of Hong Kong
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 24th December, 1925.
(Received Colonial Office 7.43 a.m. 24th December.)
646
In view of the very anxious circumstances at present existing it is imperative now that Fletcher
is about to be promoted to Ceylon that an officer of
outstanding ability and energy should be appointed as
Colonial Secretary. I regret that I am unable to
recommend for this appointment any officer from the
Hong Kong service and I beg most earnestly that the post may be given to W.T.Southorn of Ceylon. I have
complete confidence in Southorn and his appointment
would be a real help. If you agree I should be most grateful if arrangements could be made for him to reach Hong Kong as soon as possible after Fletcher leaves
for Ceylon.