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27. G.V, Kitson (F.O)
20-2-47
I attach P.Q. file 54144/Pul on which is the Question and Answer referred to in Mr. Kitson's letter at 27.
The Foreign Office proposed for the Reply the words "steps are now under consideration to implement that recommendation". In the original drart Reply which was agreed with Mr. Scott over the telephone the phrase used was "steps are being taken to implement that recommendation". In the final form the phrase became "action to give effect to his request is in hand". For the Foreign Office to say that the Reply as finally given was not agreed with them seems to verge on hair splitting.
Sehat
The Foreign Office say that the staff position in the Foreign service is so acute that they may find it impossible to spare a man for the post of Political Adviser, Hong Kong. The ast is of such importance that i when the reply from Nanking to Foreign Office telegram No. 192 enclosed with 27 is as the Foreign Office fears perhaps Sir T. Lloyd would consider writing to Sir Orme Sargeant and invoking his interest in the matter. Mr. Mayle has suggested that it should be possible to find a retired foreign Service officer
of the stature and quality required.
While waiting for the Ambassador's reply there is a further point which I think should be considered as it bears on the status of the man required for Political Adviser. In his despatch No. 20 of the 24th January at 9 on 54265/1 attached, the Governor recommends that Mr. R.R. Todd should be appointed Secretary for Chinese Affairs following on the retirement of Mr. R.A.C. North. In his despatch at 16 on this file the Governor says
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