CIRCULAR.
For Hanging
W.O 22095
Akany
that the Volunteer force should be developed and placed on the same footing as Volunteers in Great Britain."
December 1886 was
CONFIDENTIAL.
Sir,
the 31st
This force which on the 99 strong, had, on the 31st December 1888, the date of the latest strength return, a total of only 1% officers and men.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
Ralph Thompson
1889
Copy fr. Conf. 12.
Downing Street,
21st August, 1888.
I have the honour to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government consider that the time has now arrived when further steps should be taken to raise the garrisons in Her Majesty's Colonial Possessions to the strength required, in view of the new defence works and armaments which are now approaching completion. It is considered desirable that a portion of the force required should be furnished by local troops, either on a Militia or Volunteer organization.
2. This question has been fully considered at various times, and more recently by the Colonial Defence Committee, whose recommendations have been provisionally accepted as a basis of action.
3. You will see from the annexed table the number and nature of the local auxiliary forces recommended for adoption in the Colony under your Government.
As regards the re-adjustment of the Imperial portion of the garrison, further communication will be addressed to you; and in the meantime I desire to call your attention to the organization of the auxiliary forces proposed for your Colony. It is intended that the general conditions of service of the Militia and Volunteer Forces should be assimilated to those of the analogous bodies at home. They would be liable to serve only within the limits of the Colony, and their embodiment for purposes of defence would take place under the authority of the Governor. The distinction between the Militia and Volunteer Forces would consist in the former being regularly enlisted for a term of years, and receiving pay during the period of their training or service, together with a small retaining fee.
The Officer Administering the Government of Hongkong