CO129-489 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Sir Clementi - 1925 [8-12] — Page 653

PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM From the Governor of Hong Kong

to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 24th December, 1925.

(Received Colonial Office 7.43 a.m. 24th December.)

646

In view of the very anxious circumstances at present existing it is imperative now that Fletcher

is about to be promoted to Ceylon that an officer of

outstanding ability and energy should be appointed as

Colonial Secretary. I regret that I am unable to

recommend for this appointment any officer from the

Hong Kong service and I beg most earnestly that the post may be given to W.T.Southorn of Ceylon. I have

complete confidence in Southorn and his appointment

would be a real help. If you agree I should be most grateful if arrangements could be made for him to reach Hong Kong as soon as possible after Fletcher leaves

for Ceylon.