(F9621/376/0)
RESTRICTED
No. 403.
FOREIGN OFFICE, S. W. 1.
28th July, 1947.
55
End.to(25)
*(30)
sir,
In paragraph 3 of my despatch No. 398 (F 9469/376/G) of the 23rd July, I informed the Ambassador (a) that the question whether Mr. Heathcote Smith's successor should be a Colonial Office or Foreign Office appointee was still under consideration, and (b) that the Hong Kong Government hoped to give members of their Service suitable training and experience in China to equip them for the post of Political Adviser at Hong Kong.
2. As regards (a), I feel that it is still preferable that any decision should be deferred for one year after är. Heathcote Smith's appointment, that is to say until August 1948, and the Colonial Office have been informed accordingly (please see in this connexion my telegram No. 129 of the 6th February and your telegram No. 169 of the 18th February last).
3. As regards (b), I enclose copies of recent correspondence with the Colonial Office, from which you will observe that the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong wishes tɔ send a Colonial Service Officer of ten to twelve years' seniority to Nanking to be attached to your Chinese Counsellor for training and experience, free quarters being provided in the Embassy. I should be glad if you would let me have your views by telegra as to whether you agree to the proposal in principle and whether free accommodation could in fact be provided. No approach hos yet been made to the Treasury. There is of course no objection to exploratory discussions on the matter taking place without commitment between the Governor of Hong Kong and yourself.
4. As regards the proposal that a Hong Kong Officer might be detailed to accompany His Majesty's Consul-General, Canton, on tour to outlying parts of his Consular district, you will observe that I have informed the Colonial office that there is no objection in principle, and if you concur I shall be glad if you will issue the necessary instructions to His Majesty's Consul-General at Centon with a view to the inatter being discussed by him direct with the Hong Kong Government.
I am, with great truth,
Sir
Your obedient Servant (For the Secretary of State)
L. H. Lanb, Esq., 0.B.E.,
etc. etc.,
Nanking.
etc.,