Personal.
55
40
11th May, 1940.
Dear Hindley,
I am pleased to find that I have an opportunity of addressing you in the course of my new duties at the Colonial Office. May I ask your assistence in the following matter?
My Secretary of State has decided to send an expert to Hong Kong to advise on the future administration of the port there. Sir David Owen has been asked to undertake the inquiry (and has very generously offered to do so as a piece of personal war service without remuneration), with the following terms of reference: -
To investigate the whole question of harbour facilities, organisation and administration at Hong Kong, having regard to the existing system of pier leases, which are due to expire in ten years' time; and, in the light of physical, economic and political conditions, to make recommendations for measures by which the port could in future be developed and controlled to the best advantage of all persons and interests dependent on its services.
We have had some discussion with him regarding the appointment of an engineer to accompany him as Technical Adviser (not as Joint
Sir Clement Hindley, K. C. I. E.
Commissione