CO129-611-2 Liaison with British Embassy and consulates in China- appointment of political advisor 1-9-1945 - 20-10-1947 — Page 120

(F 1264/376/10)

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

3rd February, 1947.

21

117

Confidential

(18)

Dear Mayle,

Thank you for your letter (54226/46) of the 28th January about the political adviser for Hong Kong.

I am afraid that Miss Ruston must have rather misunderstood Scott. The position is that, while we agree in principle to the desirability of such an appointment, we are chronically short of staff in the Foreign Service, and it is far from certain that we may be able to find someone suitable. In any event we are not convinced that the appointment if made should revert to the Colonial Service after three years.

(19) We have as a first step telegraphed to our

Ambassador at Nanking on the 25th January, for his (6) observations on the Governor's despatch of the 15th

November last, and when we get his answer I shall be able to give you our considered views.

Your sincere 4.

led. Kitam

(G.V. Kitson)

N.L. Mayle, Esq.,

Colonial Office.

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