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Government of India that their pensions should be paid in
that country and debited to this Government, but in the
case of men who receive a gratuity payment in India would
merely ensure their arrival there and would not guarantee
that they did not return.
In addition to repatriation (which
I consider important in the case of men trained to the use
of arms) I see no reason why the suggestions of the Shan-
-ghal Municipal Council should not be given effect to here
provided that the Treaty Ports, and other Goverments who
are allowed to recruit Indians co-operate. Private watch-
-men are a useful class in the maintenance of order, and
I should not be averse to thus ensuring the supply and
guaranteeing their repatriation at the cost of the employer.
I should also be glad to co-operate in making known the
liabilities incurred by a British-Indian subject who should
take service against His Majesty's Troops in time of war.
I do not at present see how it is
possible to effectively enforce legislation with the object
of preventing Indians from going Eastwards if they desire
to do so, and I am enquiring from the Straits Government
regarding the legislation in force in that Colony and the
means taken to render it effective.