Draft telegram
From FOREIGN OFFICE
TO
AMBASSADOR, BAGHDAD.
168
Your 2850.
(Para.1) While we consider it important that Colman
should retain his appointment until Conservancy is
accepted in principle we suggest that he should not be
committed to a definite term of service after 1st
January, 1946.
(Para.2) The Colonial Office are very anxious to
obtain Colman's services as Chairman of a Hongkong
Harbour Trust which it is proposed should be formed
when Hongkong is liberated. Colman's qualifications
and great experience of Port Trust work are such that he
is the most suitable candidate for this important
appointment.
There is considerable preparatory work
to be undertaken and decisions which must be taken in
the near future affecting the planning of the rehabilit.,
tion of the Colony as a whole.
(Para.3) The Colonial Office while appreciating the
necessity for maintaining the 'status quo' in the Basra
Port Directorate until the conservancy issue is settled
would like to discuss their proposal with Mr. Colman
and if he is willing to accept the appointment they
wish to have the benefit of his advice while on leave
this summer. It would therefore be helpful if Colm
could pay a short visit to London within the next
weeks.
(Para.4)
Please discuss very confidentially with
Colman and let us know if he is interested in the
Colonial Office proposal and would visit U.K. to discuss
it.
【Para.5) Cost of Colman's passage would be on H.M.Q.
account.