16
Sir H. Foynton.
I do not dissent from the view that the Head of the new Department, which is to take the place of the present Imports and Exports Department, should act as Economic Adviser to the Hong Kong Government. But it doesn't seem to me good enough to leave this appointment over until such time as a man about whose personal character there seems to be some doubt has completed another appointment, at which ime both we and the Governor X may very well feel bound to take the view that he is not suitable. I feel strongly that we should make a real effort to help in finding a suitable man for the appointment now.
Looking back over the files, I see that, in accordance with the suggestion I had made earlier, Mr. Morris asked Mr. Portamore of the Bank of England for suggestions about a possible Economic Adviser. Mr. Fortsmore could not himself make suggestions, but suggested that we should write officially to the Bank of England, who might then be able to advise. Mr. Morris got the impression that Mr. Portsmore himself might possibly he willing to be considered (see p. Korris's minute of the 2nd November in Part III of 15314/66/49).
My view is that, before writing to the Governor, we should consult the Bank of England as suggested by Mr. Fortsmore. If the Bank were to put forward the name of Mr. Portamore, I think he might very well be suitable for the job of Head of the new Department and ex officio Lconomic Adviser. In any case, the Hong Kong overnment know him well and would, if he were available, be able to say quickly whether they would like to have him.
weis
1st Febr, 1950.
On
2checlim
Müink
lüsię
a good deal
is
Nface in
x/
I suggest, however,
Twat
We
should neverkister
write
15
Si A. Graukiam
Ασω
but in
a ralver
modip diferent form
vide
amended dr- hlw.
And
lüen
reciic Early
fu
drakl
10
Mr. Cobbold
x'
at the B/Lng.
Do you agree
2
AP.
3/2
yes it w
9/2.
11. Fir A. Granthum
Le lect
M-Mmis.
scub
het
دانا
Recuie?
mi, ? 2
7-2-50.
for draft at x/
#Ishould sugutiful.
In uned submira ofr
for Sir H. Poynton's
signature wees.
if for cobbred
-7/2