291
SECRET.
From General Officer Commanding, China, to War Office. (No. 99.)
23rd February, 1915, 4.20 p.m. With reference to telegram from Chief of General Staff, India, No. S. 3778, dated 22nd February. As the "Nile" is now available, and since the "Basilan" is slow, unsuitable for long voyage and has inadequate cabin accommodation, I propose to despatch the 40th Pathans in the "Basilan "* as far as Singapore, and there to tranship them to the "Nile." The four companies Shropshire Light Infantry will then be brought back here in the "Basilan." If the "Basilan " is not back in time, I can make local arrangements to send wing of 18th Infantry to relieve the 36th Sikhs at Tientsin, and by that time the "Basilan" will no doubt be available for conveying the 36th Sikhs to India.
Addressed War Office. Have repeated Naval Commander-in-Chief, Singapore, and Chief of General Staff, India.
(B8) 30 2/16 HAS 1007wo