083/4655. (M.0.3.)
War Office,
London, s.ce?
81129
GE 16 MAR 12
10th January, 1912.
sir,
1
{
144 of 9.11.11.
.346 of 12.11.
b.148 of 1.12.11.
.150 of 1.12.
I am commanded by the Army Council to address
you with reference to the telegraphic instructions* which
have been sent to you regarding the status of the troops
which have been detached from your command at the
request of the Naval Commander-in-Chief for service at
Hankow and Canton, and to confirm the orders therein
contained.
2. The detachment of these small bodies of troops
so far from their base, away from support of troops and
removed from superior military control, in the midst of a
disturbed population has been sanctioned by the Council
on the understanding that the Navy would be responsible
for their immediate support and reinforcement and for
their withdrawal should circumstances render their
position untenable.
3. The Council regard these troops as being in
fact supplementary to the landing parties of His
whilst
Majesty's Navy, and have decided that the direct
responsibility for them and their command
detached for this duty should lie with the Naval
Commander-in-Chief.
The orders issued to you have therefore
directed you to "place these detachments at the disposal
of the Naval Commander-in-Chief" for service at Hankow
General Officer Commanding,
South China Command,
Hong Kong.
and