CONFIDENT IAL
3/3571/48
Nanking N.3
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT,
Lower Albert Road,
Hong Kong
22nd January, 1948.
Dear Hall,
Mr. Curtis of Mien Hwa Tread Co. (connected with J.P. Coates & Co.) came to see me yesterday to ask what action he should take in filing claims of losses during tie recent burning of British properties in Canton. I told him that he should submit the claims through you. I added, however, that any personal account of the mob action would be of interest to the Embassy in Nanking at this time. I added that you and your staff would be working under difficulties at present in temporary accommodation and that if therefore he would let me have an account of his experience I would forward it to Nanking. This he has now done and I attach a copy of his letter to me. lle does not want his name quoted in any representati.cs which may be made to the Chinese authorities.
Youre incerely,
(Sga) C.3.3. Heathcote-Smith
C. . B. Heathcote-Smith.
}
R. A. Ha 1, Esq., C.P.M., British Coreul-General,
c/o liong Kong & Shanghai Bank, CANTON.