Mr. Gent.
7
98
Interview with Sir David Owen.
I saw Sir David Owen yesterday and explained
to him the position at Hong Kong. I also gave him
the short statement, defining the work of investigation
to be carried out at Hong Kong and a copy of the
Governor's despatch relating thereto. I arranged for
Sir David Owen to see Mr. Caine following his inter-
view with me, so that he might obtain full information
as to conditions in Hong Kong and as to the best
methods of travel.
interview.
The following points emerged from the
(1) Sir David Owen appeared to be in good
health and spirits. I was struck, however, by the
fact that he seemed to be rather harder of hearing
than on the last occasion I saw him. I asked him
about this but he assured me that it was not serious.
(2) Sir David Owen was much attracted by the
proposal and indeed was prepared to say at once that
he would like his name to be put forward to the
Governor. I had impressed upon him that it would
be necessary for us to put his name to the Governor
and that it would rest with the Governor to make a
final decision. His first inclination was to offer
to
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