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Mr. Gent
Copies
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yn Rouse 12
to in Gent & Mu
The annexed note by Mr. Cohen was
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dictated by him after a talk he had with Miss Rus ton and me this morning.
The general conclusion which we reached
was that the arrangements for planning the
restoration and re-organisation of harbour facilities in Hong Kong, in accordance with Sir David Owen's recommendations, should be on lines similar to those which have been made for Singapore and Penang, i.e. a small civilian planning unit, with an Advisory Committee. It was thought that the staff
of the unit should consist of a Secretary, a Marine Adviser and a Civil Engineer and that this nucleus staff should work in close association with (and be physically housed with) the H.K.P.U., even when it is militarised. Mr. Cohen was confident that, with such a set up the work could continue without very great difficulty even after Mr. Coleman's return to Basra.
It would, however, only be possible for this arrangement to function efficiently if, before Hr. Colman returns to Basra he could spend some little time in London with his nucleus staff and his Advisory Committee. This would enable the broad lines of the planning to be decided upon and detailed directions to be given as to the planning work to be done on particular items.
As Mr. Colman's time in London will, however, be limited, this can only be achieved if we are prepared with a fairly cut and dried scheme for this organisation ready to be placed before him immediately on his arrival. If then he agrees to take on the job and we are able to aree with him on the machinery required, we shall then have to move very rapidly indeed in assembling it if it is to be able to function while he is still in this country.
You have agreed to discuss these proposals at 3.30 p.m. on Friday afternoon at a meeting at which Mr. Cohen will be present and at which the H.K.F.U. will be represented by Mr. Rouse and lir. Rowell.
2.2.P
6th June, 1945