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imagine that the whole problem of the communication of this information to the morican military authorities will be discussed by you with the China Association. I also understand that the Inter-Services Topographical Department of the War Office may also have available a quantity of general information regarding China from a military operational standpoint, and you may wish to consider whether any papers prepared by this Department might be suitable for communication.
9. On the question raised in sub-paragraph (c) of Colonel Cowell's memorandum my feeling is that wo would be well-advised to rule that everything roceived by the Economic Liaison Officer should be communicable, except where a specific warning is given in respect of any individual item.
10. Finally I consider that the recommendation in paragraph 5(c) of the memorandum, that early action should be taken to contact the local representatives of British firms and British missionary societies and to seck their cooperation, should be followed up.
I sec no disadvantage in parallel approaches on this matter both here and in London, and I would propose to instruct His Majesty's Consular Officers in Chungking and Kunming to call meetings of British businessmen and British missionaries at which the Economic Liaison Officer or if his arrival is to be delayed, Colonel Cowell, can give them a general picture of what is proposed and ask them, after consulting their head offices if they so desire, to prepare briefs on their properties and other physical assets in China for communication by the Economic Liaison Officer to General Olmsted's organisation. I consider that there can be no possible objection to our passing on now all information regarding British property in or near Chungking; and it would show goodwill if we could at once provide some of the information that has been requested. I shall not, however, take any action here until I have your telegraphic authority.
I have the honour, etc.
(Sgd.) H. J. Seymour.