CO129-554-8 Administration of the Government during Governor's illness 13-9-1935 - 1-11-1935 — Page 16

No. 503.

BY AIR MAIL.

Sir,

Сори

on 53630/35 (Acting Applo)

7

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HỒNG KÔNG.

13th September, 1935.

16

(3)

I have the honour to confirm my telegram of to-day

of which I attach a copy reporting the incapacity of Sir W. T. Southorn and my own assumption of the Administration.

2.

Sir Thomas presided at yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council when the Budget for 1936 was presented but was in some discomfort; and as this increased during the

afternoon he was removed on medical advice to the Victoria

Hospital at 10 p.m. last night.

3.

As it is hoped that Sir Thomas Southorn's incapacity

as well as that of Mr. D. W. Tratman will not be of long

duration I have appointed Mr. R. A. D. Forrest who has been

acting as Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary to act as

Colonial Secretary and Mr. H. R. Butters to act as Principal

Assistant Colonial Secretary and Clerk of Councils. I have

also not disturbed the acting appointment of Mr. E. H. Williams

as Secretary for Chinese Affairs as reported in the third

paragraph of Sir Thomas Southorn's despatch No.485 of 27th

35 August.

3/53630/35

12.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

MALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

N.L. Smith.

Officer Administering the Government.

&c.,

&c.,

&c.