Headquarters,
52010
South China Command,
REC Ped: 18 DEC
Hongkong.
9th November, 1914.
467
Your Excellency,
I have the honour to report that the question
has arisen as to who is to bear the cost of upkeep of the familie
of german prisoners in Hongkong.
The cost of maintenance of Prisoners of War is of
course an Imperial charge, and is fully provided for in regul-
ations, but there is no Appvision in any regulations as regards
their families. These latter have been interned on Tour
Excellency's order, approved by that of the Secretary of State
for the Colonåes, and it is more than probable that the War
Office may not be willing to accept charges for their maintenance
In the case of prisoners who are in a position
to maintain their families themselves I consider that the cost
of doing so should fall upon the individuals, and the actual
cost of maintenance might be refunded by the liquidatora of the
different firms.
I should be glad to know Your Excellency's views
on the question as it is one which should be settled early, and
I am inclined to think that charges on account of families is
one which will not be accepted without demur by the Imperial
authorities.
The point seems to admit of some doubt and Your
Excellency will probably refer the matter hème.
His Excellency Sir, F.H.May, K,C,M.G.,
Governor, &c.,
Hong Kong