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half of the white Troops here might be now chared if Her Majesty's Government wanted them in tatal India; and I presumed to suggest
that if he and the fovernor of the
Straits Settlements took
view
o
the
tank Colony,
ية
similar.
present requirernents of
one white regiment might become available for service suteide
his Command.
2.
The General, very naturally, tooks some time to consider my iroporal; and, in replying to it today he seems (in the note a copy of which I inclore) to intirnate that with
scomire
of
immediate support
A
from Madras it may be possible to reduce the Command in China and the Straits by a Regiment
Probably Hong Kong has never
enjoyed euch good relations with China as at this moment, and I certainly
see no reason to doubt the loyalty of our own native population to the Government of the Colony.
4.
On the other hand, our large
Plice Force is gradually becoming armed force and we
an
always have two or three men of War in the Harbour.
I have the honor to be,
Sir
Your Most Bredient Fumble Servant,