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I think it is clear that the post for which Mr. Gordon-Harmon is applying is that of Political Adviser or Liaison Officer to the Government of Hong Kong, not that of Public Relations Officer. The post of Political Adviser is a new one which we are trying to fill, but details of it have not been given to Appointments Department, since it is proposed to second a Foreign Service Officer to the post.
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In fact we had a recommendation about Mr. Harmon (then Lt. Col. Harmon) from one of the secret organizations for whom he worked during the War. The letter from this organization is registered at 129 on Top Secret file D30. I have attached an extract from it at (2) opposite. It was suggested then that Mr. Harmon might be considered for the post of Political Liaison Officer in Hong Kong. We consulted the Foreign Office about him, who replied in a letter dated the 14th January, 1946, registered at (2) on 54226. I have placed an extract from this letter at (3) opposite.
The Governor has since confirmed that he does not want "an outside expert" for the post of Political Adviser.
On the other hand I think Mr. Harmon might well be considered for the post of Public Relations Officer. I spoke to Mr. Scott of the Foreign Office yesterday before remembering the previous correspon- dence with him about Mr. Harmon. Mr. Scott confirmed that he was not "a career" diplomat and would not be suitable for the political job, but might he felt be considered for something else. He will let me know his comments on Mr. Harmon as a candidate for P.R.O.
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