FO371-46257 — Page 187

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CONFIDENTIAL.

145

IN

WARNING. This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communi- cate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services.

*(NOTE: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad ("O.T.P.") are excepted

from this rule.)

From C.in.C. Hongkong

8769

2223522/Octob

OCT 1945

Date 23.10.45

Rec'd

1215

IDC by W/T

Addressed War Office

Repeated H.M. Ambassador Bagdad.

IMPORTANT

+

of

War Office for Civil Affairs and Colonial Office (I) Need for greater co-ordination of Port facilities to meet requirements of various interests already apparent. Demands on Port have grown daily and we shall have to face large programme of trans-shipment of cargoes for China. This alarming development trade on which Port depends to regain strong commerot. position in Far East and traffic must receive every encouragement. These demands coupled with strategic developments to be carried out by services, made whea restoration of damaged facilities and salvage must be carried out concurrently.

2¢

Port Director or Controller required to:

(A) Most day to day workings

(B) Implement decisions of Port executive compiÊN, (C) Supervise preliminary developments of Post n

conjunction with services who alone have

resources and equipment to restore facilitiese

Suggest C.W. Cartor former Port Manager Mombassa corruptgroup) cou (corrupt group) and recently with Port and transit cebua of M.W.T. in London should be considered for this appointment. Carter is Civil Engineer with wide Administrative Port experience. He is 48 and of good personality and available in Colony at present.

4. This proposal has backing of Nanking as chairman P.E.C. but Coleman's concurrence and views desirable before proceeding further. Suggest Carter should be responsible to Coleman in latter's capacity as chairman of future port trust. This would free Coleman from many day to day problems thus enabling him to concentr on preparatory work formation of trust including many questions of its important policy.

5. Carter is here only temporarily. Could Coleman repeat his comments to me direct. Would appreciate information regarding steps taken to appoint Secretary

/for

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