CO129-611-2 Liaison with British Embassy and consulates in China- appointment of political advisor 1-9-1945 - 20-10-1947 — Page 160

Com

r. 30

FOREIGN OFFICE, S. W. 1.

14th January, 1946.

(F 526/113/G)

2

157

시

Dear Miss Ruston

I regret that from no fault of my own your letter D. 30 of the 7th December last about Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Harmon has remained so long without reply. We hoped to consult our Ambassador about this when he was in this country in December. An opportunity to do this did not in fact occur and we have only just obtained his. views.

Sir Horace Seymour says that he had not intended to suggest that there should be anyone in Hong Kong to provide direct liaison between the Hong Kong Government and the Chinese Government. He feels that what is required is a liaison officer preferably from His Majesty's Foreign Service stationed in Hong Kong

and in close touch with the Embassy. He doubts whether Harmon would be suitable as an adviser on policy but points out that Harmon's knowledge of Chinese personalities and his good relations with many influential Chinese might be useful in Hong Kong and that it would seem a pity not to make use of his undoubted experience in the line of intelligence and information. Sir Horace discussed the matter with Commander-in-Chief, Hong Kong during the latter's visit to Chungking and the latter expressed general agreement with what is stated above on the question of liaison, but offered no opinion on Harmon, whom he does not know. X

We agree with what is said above. As regards closer liaison with the Chinese it seems to us

Miss A.M. Ruston

Colonial Office.

desirable/

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