CO129-611-2 Liaison with British Embassy and consulates in China- appointment of political advisor 1-9-1945 - 20-10-1947 — Page 24

33 Form Gowest Reordableieną

Gaved

by my book. TA

Political Adviser:

Trade Union Adviser.

MP-

15/2/41 24

have received the attached two names, I am told that James

Bertram is of unusual quality and widely experienced.

The sooner Mr. Ken Baker can go the better. If he should come to England he had better see several persons familiar with the social and industrial problems in Hong Kong.

We should get publicity on the Constitution after all the criticism of British policy.

(Sgd) A.C.J.

Y

The S. of S. wished to speak to the Dept.

note above, but in the event Mr. D. M. Smith has therefore

with reference to his was unable to do so. asked for a minute to be put up.

Political Adviser

Sir T. Lloyd wrote to Sir Orme Sargent on the 4th March stressing the importance of this post and seeking his assistance in the early appointment of an experienced officer of the Foreign Service with the right outlook.

Neither of the two candidates put forward by rs. Selwyn Clarke for this post seem very suitable. Major Duncan Smith has already been referred to the S. of S. who agreed that since he had no particular experience of China he ould not be suitable for this appointment. See Sir T. Lloyd's minute of 21st Feb. on Appointments file 48306 below. (The particulars about him attached are the same as those at 1 on that file) I met Major Duncan Smith recently and furthur information about him is recorded in my minúte of 10th March on that file.

r. James Bertram is well known in Hong Kong. From the paper below, his only official experience appears to be a short period as Acting Assistant Press Attache in Chungking. His views on Hong Kong are given in an extract from a report which he sent to the New Zealand and which is registered at 2 on 54145/18 attached. (See green flag) The following are extracts from this report:

"I should like to put forward as

emphatically as possible my own private view that whatever is done to reform British Colonial Government and whatever reservations Imperial Staff may wish to make in connection with problems of Pacific defence, Hong Kong will have to go back to China, and the sooner that this is made clear to al concerned the better."

警蓼

the general interest of world peace

would best be served by a speedy announcement of

Britain's intention to return Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignity; and the working out of practical policies to this effect."

Trade Union Adviser

A telegram has come to- day from the Governor agreeing to the appointment of "r. Baker.

I have/