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communicated to him. He said that he would also let us have very quickly his views as to the fee that it would be necessary to offer him, and that he would let us have a note of his requirements both as regards information and assistance (.e. g. draughtsmen, surveyors, etc.) so that the authorities in Hong Kong can be making all necessary preparations in anticipation of his visit. He also said that he would let us have a note of the planning assumptions on which he would require answers before he could fulfil the mission. He thought that these assumptions would relate particularly to the estimated size of the population for which accommodation must be provided in Hong Kong, and also to the question of whether existing port facilities in Hong Kong are likely to be sufficient on a long term basis.
The first step is to let Hong Kong know that Sir P. Abercrombie has accepted the mission, and I have prepared the telegram opposite. After the despatch of the telegram the file should be recirculated to me to prepare the draft terms of reference, which will have to be cleared with Hong Kong and should also, I think, be cleared with Sir A. Grantham. When we have Sir P. Abercrombie's views on his fees, and a decision has been taken on this question, we shall have to take up with the Treasury a revision or extension of the
C. D. & W. scheme at No. 17, or a supplementary scheme to provide the additional money for a 6 weeks instead of a 3 weeks visit.
Anṛalowany
15.5.47.
244 To Hong Kong
Lie
789
16/5747
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