!
to be Col. Sec. H. Kong (when he has such strong claims on
23
the Bolshevist-ridden Canton administration and
how we could possibly be worse off with a Col. 3mc
H.M.g., when he has been.I think unanimously recommended
by the Prom. Com. and approved by the S. of S. ) because he is a
Dachelor is to my mind simply absurd.
As to his alleged lack of ability as a Secretariat
Officer, Sir E. Stubbs hearsay impressions are flatly
contradicted by the report of Sir J.H. Stewart
Lockhart, who was Col. Sec. when Mr. Johnston was isst.
Col. Sec. They are also contradicted by Mr. Johnston's
record as acting Comnr. HHW. Moreover for years past the
Secretariat at H.h. nas been run by Mr. Fletcher, the
Asst. Col. Sec. The Gov. can recommend the best
Secretariat man in the H.A. Jadet Service to succeed
Mr. Fletcher as Asst. Col. Sec.
As to relations with Canton Sir E. Stubbs has not
been a brilliant success. Mr. Fletcher has muddled
Covt
and misunderstood the recent negotiations. The .K. 79717
has been singularly unsuccessful in their attempts to Find any basis for cordial relations with the
C
h
of the standing of Mr. Johnaton, the leading
Chinese scolar in existence" (Sir . Stubbs)
rt
with unique influence amongst the older school
of Chinese statesmen, I really do not see.
However, let the F.0. decide this. They seem to be
changing to some sort of possible policy in China.
Mr. Johnston and Sir C. Clementi used to be
close friends, Mr. Johnston a little the senior
and rather the more brilliant of the two. I agree
that if we refer to Sir C. Clementi he will pro-
bably still wish to insist on his nominee from
Ceylon.
I do not wish to have any further say in
the matter of this appt. and shall be glad if Sir
S. Wilson and yourself will settle with the S. ofs
about a reversal of his previous decision.
A. E. Collins 4. 2. 26
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