Copy.
2268/917/10).
CYPHER7. SECRET
106 End
DEPARTMENTAL NO. 1.
201
FROM CHUNGKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
Sir H. Seymour.
D. 6.54 a.m. GMT 11th April, 1945.
No. 357.
11th April, 1945.
R.10.00 a.m. DBST 12th April, 1945.
•
SECRET.
Brigadier General Olmsted, Head of G5 Section of the United States Army Headquarters here, has suggested that it would be useful to him to have a British officer whom he could consult on problems arising out of the re-occupation of Chinese ex treaty ports.
2. His office is concerned amongst other things with planning for military commands for taking over essential services in re-conquered territory and as there is much British property in and adjoining Chinese cities concerned, he wishes to be able to tap these resources. He is precluded by American security regulations from handling such matters with civilians, but an officer, preferably with experience of China and some economic training, would provide a useful channel for exchanges of views and suggestions.
I am favourably impressed with this suggestion which would tend to provide us also with some long term safeguards for British property and interests. Proposal will be more fully developed by despatch but I hope you will give preliminary consideration to it and in particular to possible appointees for such a post. Officer would presumably be appointed to the British Military Mission or Military Attaché's staff for purposes of discipline etc: but could if preferred communicate through me to you.
O.T.P.