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the G.O.C., whose China Headquarters in both.
cases are at Hong Kong, that Smith's qualities
have not been shown to be of a type required in
a Governor in face of the present needs.
I have decided that I must accept this
advice and in consultation with the War Office I
am proposing to submit the name of Major-
General E. F. Norton, C.B., D.S.O., M. C., who is
at present commanding the Western District in
adminster the government of tho Coconing
India, to be sent to take over as Acting Covernor
at the earliest possible date. He can be
released at once and can travel by air.
N. L. Smith will on his arrival then revert to
be Colonial Secretary and his advice and
experience on the civil side will of course, remain
available to General Norton. The latter will need
to be given the temporary rank of Lieutenant-
General while he acts as Governor and Commander
in Chief at Hong Kong, and I am writing to the
Secretary of State for War on that point.
I shall be grateful to know that you
approve my submitting General Norton's name to
the King as a matter of urgency.
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