Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to—
The Secretary,
War Office,
London, S.W.,
ì
and the following number quoted.
083
4170 M.0.1.
RECE
1380
RegE 18 JAN 06
War Office,
663
SECRET.
London, S.W.
17th January, 1906.
Sir,
Foo
With reference to your communication, No. 44462, dated 22nd ultimo, forwarding a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong, I am commanded by the Army Council to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that, whilst the reinforcement of Hong Kong by another half battalion will in no case be deferred beyond January 1907, it is possible that a withdrawal of our troops from North China may take place before that date.
I am to say that, should such a withdrawal take place shortly, it will be possible to transfer British infantry from North China to Hong Kong.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
snowing
The Under Secretary of State,
COLONIAL OFFICE.