CO537-6564 — Page 86

8301/18/50.6

CONFIDENTIAL:

(10)

Commissioner Gene:al for the United Kingdom

in South East Agia,

13

Dear Watson,

Mingapore.

3rd March, 1950.

I have just returned from Hong Kong, where I have made the arrangements for Leslie Smith to start as R. I.0. representative there. You will I ex ect have seen Hong Kong telegram No. 211 to the Colonial Office.

Before I saw Smith, I called on the Governor, and he gave his blessing to the proposal; and I attended a meeting

at which the Deputy Colonial Secretary and Political Adviser were prosent, to get Smith's duties and responsibilities clear. I attach minutes of the meeting.

You will see from these that the Hong Kong Governuent are not at this stage in a very generous mood. I wrote to you Ralph about an office and secretary 14/44/49.G what were the views of the Colonial Office?

It occurs to me as a pasibility that if Hong Kong won't pay all (except Smith's salary), you may think it fair to ask Blackburne if he can help: the Foreign Office are paying for all the rest of R. I.0.

Smith scens quietly confident that he will be able

to do a good job.

I saw the G.0.C. and the Commodore in charge, who welcomed Smith's appointment, and promised all the help they can give; and I, of course, saw Harmon, who accus quite satisfied

about it all.

While I was in Hong Kong, I spoke to the Governor and the United States Consul General about reading the Chinese press, and I have telegraphed separately about that, telegram No. Ănă I am writing seperately about other sɛpects of our co-operation with the Americans.

I attach a copy of this letter in caɛʊ you want to send it to Blackburne.

J.H. Watson, Esq.,

Information Resoarah Department,

Foreign Office, LONDON. S.W.J.

Yours ever

(sgd) John Rayner.

Admin. Officer C.S.D.

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