I am considering this proposal, I shall be glad if you will inform me whether you desire that the officer selected shall be seconded for a term of years, or receive a permanent appointment; and in the latter alternative, whether you intend that his appointment shall also be made pensionable.
You are aware that officers who are in future affected from this country to the "service of the Garrison" of Hong Kong will be paid salaries in sterling.
I have to request, therefore, that you will notify me what starting salary should in your opinion be attached to the post. I intended to carry out the explanation, but in the absence of information from you, I am not sure of the details proposed.
I understand that you discussed under confidential exchange 47/7, whether the salary should be paid in sterling at the current rate. I also understand the suggestion put forward by Sir J. Carrington, that the Commandant should, after a certain period, be his own Adjutant, but I shall be glad to learn whether this will entail any addition to the clerical staff at the Volunteer Headquarters, and, if so, what the additional expenditure will be. I assume that it is not intended that...