CO129-586-6 Administration of the port of Hong Kong 27-1-1940 - 24-7-1940 — Page 75

165)

Unst

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Dear Burns,

4, MILLBANK,

WESTMINSTER,

LONDON, S. W. 1,

(ABBEY 7730)

4th April 1940.

(19)

I have your letter of March 28th (53995/-40) about the proposed enquiry into the future administration of the Port of Hong Kong.

If in your further discussion with Owen he presses for Binns's assistance we shall have no objection to raise, but there is one point which I think I ought to put to you. In view of his age there can be no likelihood of Binns supposing that he would be engaged as consulting engineer in connection with any construction work which might arise; but we find that he is associated, on a consultative basis, with Rendel, Palmer & Tritton, and there might be an idea (or Coodes might fear it) that the supervision of construction might go to Rendels.

We suggest that if Binns's engagement for the visit is proceeded with, someone should take occasion to point out to him that (as you say in your letter) any resulting development work would no doubt be entrusted to Coodes. Also, before his engagement is announced we should like to have authority to explain to Coodes that it must not be taken to imply that any change is contemplated in the arrangements for the supervision of construction work in Hong Kong.

Yours

Crossculey

Sir Alan Burns, K.C.M.G.