functions which have hitherto been distributed among a number of Departments of the Hong Kong Government.
8.
As regards the selection of a Chairman, Mr. Cohen mentioned the names of a few experts whom he would regard as suitable. He did not feel by any means sure that the M.W. T. would feel able to be cooperative in helping us to secure the services of such an expert at the present juncture. It was agreed that the best course would be to write s.o. to Mr. Sanderson (Port and Transit Department), simultaneously with our official letter proposed above, to enlist his cooperation in finding a suitable candidate for the post of chairman. This s.o. letter would mention, as possibles, the names given to us by Mr. Cohen; and Mr. Cohen would himself endeavour to secure that the Ministry view our approach with sympathy.
9. Submitted for authority to proceed on the lines indicated in this minute.
Note
The names mentioned by Mr. Cohen were (1) Mr. C.J. Coleman, member of the Calcutta Ports Commission and now serving as Chairman of the Port of Basra. (2) Mr. Charles Ree who is Assistant General Manager of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
Mr. Cohen also mentioned the name of Mr. Pope who is just home from Calcutta but who is a senior member of the staff of the L. M. S. Railway and Mr. Cohen thought that it would be using to approach him. fruitless