No.300.
C.O.32483
Government House,
Hongkong, 12th August, 1901.
49
11553
Sir,
In reply to your Despatch No.138 of the 23rd of last April, I have the honour to inform you that after careful consideration I do not think it advisable that the Adjutant of the Volunteers should have any further connection with the Police Force than as drill instructor or supervisor of drills so as to secure the smartness in the Police that some time ago was wanting but has of late improved.
2.
It has been intimated to me by Sir John Carrington that he will probably retire during the present Autumn, and there is no Officer at present in the Volunteer Force who would make a satisfactory Commandant. I have consulted Major-General Gascoigne, K.C.M.G., as well as Sir John Carrington, and both are of opinion, in which I concur, that instead of an Adjutant, a Commandant should be appointed from the Royal Artillery, who could on parade be assisted by a Volunteer Adjutant. This Officer should hold the local rank of Major or Lieutenant-Colonel. The question of pay requires consideration. Before Sir John Carrington had intimated to me his intention to retire, I had endeavoured to obtain the
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
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