3
b. (4.) 8. in 6. China
biol
-Vel 04182/24
24.6.40
The attached telegram was discussed by the Secretary of State with Sir C. Parkinson, Mr. Caine and myself yesterday and the Secretary of State personally got intouch with the War Office with a view to obtaining suggested names for a military officer to assume the government of Hong Kong temporarily during the Governor's absence.
We have in the meantime prepared a draft dormant commission which will be ready for the selected name to be inserted.
As regards remuneration, the Col. Sec. when acting as 0.A. G. receives half his own pay and half the Governor's salary (a total of £3,550) and also the Governor's entertainment allowance of £2,200 and his servants' allowance of $4,568 (approx. £285). We shall have to make special arrangements for a new military 0.A. G. which will give him the Governor's allowances as well as a salary approximately equal to that drawn by the present 0.A.G.
As soon as a general officer is selected
his commission will have to be sent for signature by H. M. under cover of a draft to the King's Private Secretary, as was done in the case of Malta see No. 1 in 89562/40 Malta and we shall need a telegram to Hong Kong to inform the Governor of the decision to make the new appointment.
If the papers may be returned to me I will hold them against further developments.
Suchent.
6.8.8.25/6
EUR
-25/6
25.6.40.
Copy of letter to Prime Minister attached.
See now Mr. Eden's letter of 26th June. I have rung up the Military Secretary at the War Office and explained to him the position and the procedure: he will get off an urgent telegram to India as to the release of Major-General Norton, and he will let me know as soon as the reply comes. Meanwhile a reply might be sent to Mr. Eden as in draft herewith.
1 12
Zo Mh. Pr. Eden
(mic)
A.C.C.P.
27.6.40.
27.6.
60
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