940
29th June, 1940.
I enclose for submission to His Majesty for signature a dormany commission to provide for Major-Gener 3.P.Norton, 0.B., D.S.O., M.C., who is at present commanding the Western District in India, to take over th adıministration of Hong Kong at the earliest possible date in the Governor's absence.
The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Geoffry Northcot: had to leave in the middle of May to take a period of res and holiday at home on the urgent advice of his doctors. He has not yet arrived here, but is expected in about a week from now. The Acting Governor at present is the nex man in the Civil Administration of the Colony, Mr.N.L.Smi the Colonial Secretary, who has spent his working life in the Civil Service in Hong Kong and has much valuable experience of local administrative affairs.
But the Colony is facing a defence situation of some gravity and it has been urged upon the Secretary of State by the Naval Commander-in-Chief and the General Officer Commanding, those China headquarters in both cases are at Hong Kong, that Mr. Smith's particular qualities have not been shown to be of a type required in a Governor in face of the present needs.
The Secretary of State has decided that he must accept this advice and after consultation with the Secret: of State for far and with the approval of the Prime Minister, Major-General Norton has been chosen to take of the administration of the Colony. He can be released at once from his duties in India and can travel to Hong Kon by air. On his arrival, Mr.Smith will revert to be
The Right Honourable
Sir Alexander Kardinge,
e.c.v.0., F.C.B., N.C.
Colonia)
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