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Mr. Rowley called this afternoon. Sir Alan Burns, Sir David Owen, Mr. Gent and myself were present at the interview. He repeated much of what he had said in his letter; that he was not prepared at the moment to give any undertaking that he would be ready to go to Hong Kong since he did not feel able to undertake a trip of the length required and leave his children at school in this country. Sir Alan Burns told him that in these circumstances we would have to go ahead making other arrangements although we might fall back on him at a later date as a last resort. Mr. Rowley said he fully appreciated the position. He did not in any event make a very good impression, and Sir David Owen was not favourably disposed to the idea of taking him on the enquiry.
In subsequent discussion it was suggested that the best plan might be to drop the idea of finding a well-qualified engineering expert to accompany Sir David Owen and that it might be more useful if he was accompanied by an engineer, no matter how junior, from the Crown Agents staff who could act as a sort of engineering secretary." On matters requiring more expert advice Sir David Owen would in these circumstames draw on Mr. Nicol. It was decided in the first place to put this idea to Sir Cecil Bottomley asking him whether he could recommend anybody from the Crown Agents staff and in the event of his being able to do so to put the matter to the Governor by telegram. Sir David Owen was told that we would let him know the result of these enquiries. Draft to Sir Cecil Bottomley herewith.
BL
Viv Bhi Jomon
12.6.40.
To Air 4. Bottomley-
cond
∙14.6.40.
е
61. Sid I Bottomley
17-6-40
And Ref 60 Reports that has Foxlee who has full qualifications, but feels that he is too senior for the position, being 65.
suggests possible action
q
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