Code Telogram
FROM HONG KONG
18
No. 361.
FROM: Governor (Sir G, Northcote) TO: Secretary of State for the Colonies.
D. 7th May 2 1941. R. 8th
10.35 hrs,
I have recently appointed John Alexander Fraser, first class cadet, as Defence Secretary, He co-ordinates and supervises the work of all civil defence departments, the responsibilities and requirements of which continue to grow. The appointment will free the Colonial Secretary for normal peace-time duties. I seek sonction to appoint him as additional temporary member of the Executive Council.
I also seek approval of similar appointment to the Executive Council of Duncan John Sloss. He is Chief Censor and in that capacity has come to have comprehensive grasp of economic warfare affaira. He is also Chairman of (1) War Supplies Board and (2) Committee appointed to recommend means whereby the Colony's economic war effort can be widened and intensified, The council's consideration of war-time problems would be greatly assisted by information which is at his disposal. knowledge of affairs in China is greatly superior to that of my official advisers and he is persona grata at Chungking. I should be very grateful for early intimation of His Majesty's approval of these proposals.
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