CO129-611-2 Liaison with British Embassy and consulates in China- appointment of political advisor 1-9-1945 - 20-10-1947 — Page 76

2. Members of my Department who have worked

closely with person named over last 15 months

consider he is well qualified for this post.

3.

Although comparatively junior he appears

to have three strong qualifications (a) China

experience and knowledge of language, (b) knowledge

of Colonial affairs and Colonial Office views gained

while working with members of this office on

trusteeship and related matters, and (c) experience

of recent international affairs generally, gained

from his work in Foreign Office.

4. Unless you see reason to the contrary

propose to accept Foreign Office offer. Should

be grateful for early reply as several details of

secondment would have to be settled before offer

could be made. Do you agree that basis of the

arrangement should be payment by Hong Kong of

al pursent Heathcote-Smith's basic salary (of £830 per annum plus appropriate acting and local allowances, or

would you prefer to suggest some fixed rate of pay?

In any event either a pension contribution of 18%

his basic

of the above salary would be payable or post of

Political Adviser would have to be made pensionable

so that Heathcote-Smith could earn for period of

secondment (pension from Hong Kong funds.

~73

secer.