CO129-592-9 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 13-1-1945 - 4-3-1946 — Page 21

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(Conceivably, be

man Selected

Traffic Manager might be found

f Suitable for the higher post).

29

(6)

I formed the impression very strongly that Mr. Coleman would find it very difficult to work amicably with the military authorities. So much so that he talked of coming on leave during the military period as they would be so dictatorial that there would be "nothing for him to do in Hong Kong. !! This is in marked contrast to the intentions of Mr. Cohen who foresees a period of intensive activity for himself in Singapore during the corresponding period, when he would be in close touch with the service authorities and preparing the way for a smooth transition to civil control of the port.

I have this morning seen Mr. Cohen who recommended Mr. Coleman to us and told him of our impressions. Mr. Cohen at once took the line that no matter how qualified on paper he might be, it would be most undesirable to appoint Mr. Coleman in the circumstances. He was sure that the Ministry of War Transport would hold the same view.

We had high hopes of Mr. Coleman and this is a disappointing conclusion. The more so because it seems most unlikely that we shall be able to find anyone elsewhere of his calibre in the immediate future. In these circumstances Mr. Cohen has recommended, and I agree, that we should proceed on an alternative plan. It is that instead of now attempting to engage a Chairman designate for the Harbour Trust, we should engage one of the less experienced men who are available who should be asked to undertake the planning which is necessary in conjunction with Mr. Rouse and other experts as and when they may be collected. The sort of status suggested is that of a Traffic Manager (an appointment which will in fact be required later on). In a year's time it should be easier to find a man of the desirable calibre to become Chairman of the Trust: I understand from Mr. Cohen that there are now a number of Transport Officers in the army ranking as Colonels and Brigadiers whose release should be comparatively easy and who would be qualified to undertake this type of work. In consultation with the Ministry of War Transport he has suggested the names of a

possible candidates (I'm note attached). (29)

з

he salary suggested for such an appointment is about £1500. It is envisaged that such an officer could, in association with the Hong Kong Planning Unit, begin planning as soon as he can be released. There would still be a need for the Advisory Committee to hammer out the issues of policy, but I suggest that (at any rate till he goes abroad) the Chairman of the Committee should be Mr. Rouse of the Hong Kong Flanning Unit. This solution may be the easier to effect since we are now in touch with a candidate who seems admirable for the post of Secretary and Administrative Officer (who, it is anticipated, would ultimately become Secretary to the Trust.)

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