COPY.
1.
521
90.
Paraphrase of Telegram sent to the Secretary of
State for War by the General Officer
Commanding, 17th. February,
1915.
With reference to the outbreak at SINGAPORE, which
absolutely precludes the 5th. L.I., being transferred to Hongkong,
I consider it absolutely necessary that the proposed moves of the
25th. Punjabis,
26th.
40th. Pathans,
24th. Hazara Mountain Battery,
should proceed without alteration or delay.
The wing of the 74th. Punjabis which was stopped by the
ice from landing at CHING-WANG-TAU in a few days in the Basilan. I propose to send the 40th. Pathans in this vessel making other shipping arrangements for reliving the half battalion 36th. Sikhs
in North China by the half battalion 74th. from here. This would
give me a garrison of the whole of the 36th. Sikhs and half the
74th. Punjabis until arrangements can be mide to send me two
battalions when I can release the 36th. The Nile is being t
kept as a refuge ship at Singapore. It now seem questionable
whether the 18th. Infantry, which is of same composition as the
5th. should be sent to a seditious place like this. This regiment
left Karachi about 15th. instant. I would suggest either two
battalions of Territorials from India or one battalion of
territorials and a selected Indian Regiment. This latter to be relieved in a year. I would suggest that one who has seen service in Egypt or Persian Gulf might be more contented. I would urge
the desirability of a short period.
The S.N.O. concurs. The Governor approves and this cable is sent by his direction. Please cable reply early. This
has been repeated to India.