693.002/1174
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)
I discussed this subject with Dr. Soong last evening. Dr. Soong stated to me that the Chinese Government fully realizes the importance and the value to it of continuing to maintain the established Maritime Customs Administration and retaining the services of those persons among the foreign personnel who are effectively “useful, especially those who have technical knowledge and experience”. He remarked that China would need for years to come the services of foreign “experts and administrators”—if anything in increasing numbers; he and other Chinese want to train Chinese personnel for various types of service as rapidly as possible, and they are working at it, “but it will take time”. Dr. Soong spoke highly of Mr. Little; and he and I discussed, in agreement, Mr. Little’s qualifications and attitude and potential usefulness. I expressed the hope and the belief that there would be the best of cooperation between Mr. Little and his Chinese associates; and Dr. Soong indicated his concurrence.
[On April 14, 1944, Mr. Little was named Inspector General of Customs.]