2
4. The Governor of Hong-Kong now states that the experience of over a year has shown that there is no diminution in the number of eligible recruits who offer themselves locally, and apparently no check on their migration fur- ther eastward. Therefore, while willing to continue to repatriate men at the expiration of their service, he wishes to discontinue recruiting in India on account of the delay and expense which it involves.
5. We were fully aware that the eventual success of the scheme, even if supported by all concerned, was doubtful. From a letter dated 27th October 1908, from His Majesty's Minister, Peking (received under India Office No. J. and P.-4398, dated 12th January 1909), it will be scen that the scheme as regards Shanghai has never been brought into operation, and that it is unlikely the Municipal Council will now consent to agree to a system for recruiting in India, for conditions have changed since the shortage in the local supply inclined them to accept our proposals. In regard to Tientsin, the new system has not been in operation long enough for a definite opinion to be formed as to its merits, but the experience gained so far indicates that its success is doubtful, the cost of obtaining the men from India and sending them back at the expiry of their term of engagement being above the value of their services.
6. The correspondence forwarded with the India Office lotter referred to above further shows that since the new rules for recruiting policemen in India have been in operation, there has been no decrease in the number of eligible recruits who offer themselves locally and no check upon their emigra- tion further cast wards.
7. We are of opinion, therefore, that as the scheme for recruiting for the police forces in China through tho recruiting staff in India has met with no success, it should now be abandoned.
We have the honour to be,
MY LORD,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble Servants,
(Signed) MINTO.
KITCHENER,
33
H. ADAMSON.
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J. O. MILLER.
11
W. L. HARVEY,
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GUY FLEETWOOD WILSON.
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S. P. SINHA.
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