Misc. No. 3598.
CO.
American Consular Service. 14352
Rico
Rro 28 APR 09
454
Hongkong, March 15th., 1909.
Hon. F. H. May,
Sir,
Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong.
On the request of Admiral Harber, I have the honour to ask if there would be objection to the landing of a "patrol", not more than fifteen picked men (petty officers) whose function it shall be to quietly care for any American sailors who may misbehave or be in danger of becoming a nuisance.
This patrol carry clubs but not other arms. They go about quietly by ones, twos, or threes, and if they see an American sailor intoxicated or otherwise objectionable, they persuade him to Blake Pier, put him on a launch, and send him to his ship. The patrol is made up of discreet men, and they assume no function beyond a quiet persuasion of their fellow sailors. The No. 1 of the party has his rendezvous where the others report to him. Admiral Harber tells me that this plan was universally used with success in all the cities on the recent tour of the large American fleet around the world. It will presumably be a very welcome feature to the Hongkong Police.
The patrolmen are not allowed inside a barroom, and are trained to do their duty in a quiet manner and without interference with the local police. May I hear from you as to this request.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) Amos P. Wilder,
American Consul-General.