OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
54403/15
Code
PRIORITY
TO HONG KONG (Şir A. Grantham)
Sent 18th September, 1951. 20.30 hrs.
59
No. 1111.
Confidential.
My telegram No. 1088.
Fertilizer Factory.
Brunt again called and showed some anxiety to know whether decision had been reached on his letter of 13th August, as he had been offered other employment. He was told decision could only come from you, but that impression here was that his proposals were more elaborate than is required as yet.
2.
This did not appear to surprise him, but he said that having produced planning memoranda (which he has shown no one) he felt he could not produce even approximate estimates without some detailed drawings, as there was no precedent for plant on this scale. He also said he had been handicapped by non-arrival of results of check on quantities of refuse and night soil mentioned on pp. 5 and 12 of his reporto
3.
While maintaining that method proposed in his letter was best calculated to achieve results he suggested two other methods:-
(i)
(ii)
that his remuneration should be percentage of estimated cost- he suggested 1.1%
that he should be retained as consultant with authority to approach contracting firms to undertake design work. This would be cheaper at this stage, but would lose ultimate benefit of competitive tendering.
4. Crown Agents have been consulted and it is agreed that new proposals do not seem to add anything constructive. Moreover, proposal (ii) comes near to infringing professional etiquette in suggestion that his retention now should be conditional on his being employed at a later stage. Proposals also confirm sugges- tion that he cannot get nearer your requirements without assistance that may be expensive.
5. Brunt was told that his proposals would be put before you, Please inform me your decision within 7 days if possible.
Copies sent to:
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Mr. I.H.P. Hawtrey
Crown Agents
Crown Agents for the Colonies.
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