CO129-611-2 Liaison with British Embassy and consulates in China- appointment of political advisor 1-9-1945 - 20-10-1947 — Page 81

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5.

Since the resumption of Civil Government, Mr.

Megarry, who resumed duty on 1st Way, 1946, has been Chairman of

the Urban Council and during . MacDougall's absence on leave has

Most acted as Secretary for Chinese Affairs since 3rd July, 1946.

of his career has been spent in the Colonial Secretariat, the Sanitary

Department and the District Offices and he has had little experience

of the Secretariat for Chinese Affeirs apart from a period from 1925

to 1927 and during his recent soting appointment. He is an able and

efficient officer of considerable administrative experience but I do

not consider his personality wholly suited to the satisfactory discharge

of the duties of the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs where direct

contact with members of the public and much committee work is unavoidable

He has recently informed me that he desires to proceed on leave prior

to retirement towards the end of this year.

6.

Mr. R. R. Todd who returned from leave on 5th April,

He was

an

1946, has since the resumption of civil government acted to my entire

satisfaction as Secretary for Chinese Affairs and as Colonial Secretary

since 3rd July, 1946, while Mr. MacDougall was on leave.

Assistant to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs from 1927 to 1930 and

Chief Assistant from 1933 to 1935.

7.

I have also considered the claims of Mr. Hawkins

who acted very successfully as Secretary for Chinese Affairs during

the Hilitary period. I has now been appointed Labour Officer and on

reflection I am satisfied that this is his proper post for the time

There are senior officers with claims on the present vacancy

being.

which cannot be disregarded.

8.

After full consideretion of the officers named I

recommend that Mr. R. R. Todd should be appointed Secretary for

Chinese Affairs with effect from 1st May, 1946. In my view he is the

most suitable officer for the post and fully qualified to fill it.

This recommendation entails passing over Hr. Wynne-Jones and Mr.

Megarry.

I propose to leave Mr. Wynne-Jones as Postmaster General

in the work of which post he is greatly interested and has much

experience.

I am attaching Mr. Wogarry to the Colonial Secretarint