Cypher/OTP
DIPLOMATIC DISTRIBUTION.
FROM SINGAPORE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
(From Commissioner General in South East Asia)
Mr. MacDonald
No. 1290
24th December 1948.
RESTRICTED.
D. 6.3 p.m. 25th December 1948 R. 7.42 p.m. 25th December 1948
Your telegram No. 1384 and previous correspondence. E.C.A.F.E. Secretariat.
I discussed question of temporary office and living accommodation yesterday with Lokanathan and assistant Executive Secretary Ross (American) McKerron and Peel of his Secretariat also joined in the talk.
2. Lokanathan was reasonable and impartial, but it is evident that many in the Secretariat (and' particularly American members of it) are more concerned with amenities and with cost of living than with choosing the most suitable place to do their work, and that predilections of Ross and others are likely to influence choice against Singapore and in favour of Bangkok or even Baguio where glowing offers of comfort have been made by the Philippine Government. Ross in fact told Scrivener flat out that in his opinion Singapore was "quite impossible", (See Scrivener's letter to Grey of December 17th)
3. Definite decision is unlikely to be taken for a few days. I am satisfied that there is nothing more that Singapore authorities or that I or my staff can do (we are giving all our spare office accommodation to É.C.A.F.E. already) Lokanathan told me this morning however that following talk with his staff today he fears decision is likely to go in favour of Bangkok. He said he himself favours Singapore and so do the Chinese, Indian and other Asian members of his organisation; but Americans and some other Europeans are strongly against it.
4. Frankly we are inclining to the view that it is preferable that these people should be elsewhere. We have formed very bad impression of capacity for grousing and intriguing of some European members of Lokanathan's staff. Lokanathan himself is most friendly and cooperative.
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