54460/49 H.K.
Dear Mr. Keswick,
110
2
27th January, 1949.
Mr. Creech Jones has asked me to answer ad interim your letter of the 21st January regarding outstanding claims in respect of the War Supplies Board in Hong Kong, and to apologise for any delays for which we are responsible in ti.is correspondence. A major difficulty, it appears, is that any liability which may arise in respect of these claims would not be a matter for settlement solely by the Colonial Office. Efforts are however being made to clarify with other Departments of His Majesty's Government the extent (if any) to which those Departments can accept liability for the claims in question and a further letter will be sent to you on the matter as soon as possible.
I am also to express regret that no reply has so far been sent to the letter from the China Association of the 30th November, 1948. An apology is being sent immediately with an assurance that action is being pursued.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) W.F.DAWSON
Private Secretary.
W.J. Keswick, Esq.