Chama which was practically detached for the approved garrison of Hong Kong, said in future to be supplied for Hong Kong; & the British battalion at Hong Kong to be brought up to full strength, i.e., to get an additional English Battalion, which had actually been withdrawn.
Hitherto Hong Kong instead of (The question of the authorized strength of H.K. Garrison is discussed in C.D.C. memo 44462/18 Sür kn.) having the half battalion is 343.
Theat until after 8.00 warrant provided, Hong Kong is not safe. 1889/06. I.O. state that the reinforcement of the Garrison by the provision of this half battalion will not be delayed beyond July 1907.
Now: 26224/86. the W.O say that the battalion cannot for the present be sent to Hong Kong.
The net result is that the Garrison is now less by one Indian battalion than it was a year ago.
In regard to the Garrison, the G.O.C. and the former Secretary stated it was insufficient.
I think I saw a private letter from the G.O.C., some time ago, which suggested that he will be seriously disturbed by the decision. I assume this is practically decided.
The box W.O. repeats "at present" & "temporary".
Whereas expressing some anxiety expressed in the last paragraph, it is stated in C.D.C. memo that the proportion of one British battalion to two half Indian battalions is barely sufficient for the safety of the place. The C. in C. Hong Kong defence concurs. But W.O do not see their way to provide more troops.
If there were then 1 battalion British troops, about 300 men, at Hong Kong. Thus the proportion is at the present time below the standard of safe security and the position is rendered more hazardous by the disproportion of white troops.
Both the C.D.C. and the G.O.C. state that Hong Kong is not very safe. Surely I.O. must ask for more troops.
I suppose we can only condemn the present state and copy correspondence & take note of the 1/2 battalion.
C.Pf. 19/7 finds this unsatisfactory.
In 1917, Mr. Haldane spoke to Lord Kitchener about this. It is only temporary.
M. 13.7 224. Wish with Mr. Haldane & 24.1.
The decision...
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