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My dear Burns,
4, MILLBANK,
WESTMINSTER,
LONDON, S. W. 1.
(ABBEY 7730)
26th April, 1940.
In compliance with the suggestion contained in your letter No.53995/40 of the 22nd April I have discussed with Mr. A.T.Coode the possibility of a representative of his firm accompanying Sir David Owen to Hong Kong as Technical Adviser in September next.
I told Coode that Mr. Gwyther's name had been suggested to Sir David Owen by Mr. Asa Binns as a suitable man. Coode, however, explained that Gwyther is occupied on works which are being carried out in Iraq under the firm's direction and will be paying an inspection visit to Iraq next Autumn. In the circumstances it would be extremely inconvenient to spare his services at the time and for the period which would appear to be necessary for the Hong Kong investigation. Coode suggested that he himself should accompany Sir David Owen and, if this suggestion was acceptable, he would propose the following terms of remuneration :-
On the basis of three months absence from England, a fee of one thousand guineas in addition to expenses for passages, subsistence etc. which is estimated to cost £500. In the event of the visit occupying a longer or shorter absence from England than three months the total remuneration to be increased or reduced as the case might be at the rate of £100 per week.
Coode explained to me that the fee proposed was less than would be normally charged if he was visiting a Colony independently to report upon proposed works. The fee can be regarded as reasonable and you may remember that a fee of three thousand pounds plus travelling, hotel and out-of-pocket expenses has been agreed to for Mr. Binnie's visit to Hong Kong next month in connection with the Tai Lam Chung Valley water scheme.
Sir Alan Burns, K.C.M.G.
Yours sincurs
WtBottomley
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