CO129-592-9 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 13-1-1945 - 4-3-1946 — Page 166

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FSR.3379 PT.587/32

E. 2075/425/93

(SECRET)

Dear Captain Holt,

27th April, 1945.

With reference to telegram 285 from Baghdad in regard to Colman's future in the Port of Basra, we are, as you know rather opposed to his departure before the Conservancy issue is settled in principle. The Colonial Office are, however, very anxious to obtain Colman's services as Chairman of a Hongkong Harbour Trust to be formed as soon as the Colony is liberated.

It is, of course, of very great national impor- tance that Hongkong should have the very best of advice and direction during the critical period of restoring the facilities of the Colony and its position in the Far East. In this, the Port will play an all important part. Colman, with his very great experience of port administration, and particularly Port Trust work would be admirably suited for this appointment.

There is a good deal of preliminary work to be done which will require advice and direction by the Chairman designate, and the Colonial Office would have liked to have their man in London in the very near future but they do recognise the importance of the Conservancy issue.

Under the circumstances, it would seem to be important that Colman should not commit himself to a

/definite

Captain V. Holt,

Foreign Office,

LONDON.S.W.1.