The draft of the telegram is returned herewith.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Wrangley
GOVERNOR
HONG KONG,
43511
551
REC Rea 12 SEP 16
DRAFT.CIPHER TELEGRAM
War Office enquire whether it would
be possible to raise force eventually
amounting to about ten thousand Chinese
coolies in ten labour battalions for
service in France and elsewhere so as to
relieve British labourers for work in
United Kingdom.
Before telegraphing proposals in
detail I should be very glad to have your
views as to feasibility of proposal which
His Majesty's Government are anxious to
ind carry out as to suitability of class of
labour locally available having regard to
climatic conditions especially in France.
War Office also suggest that all
officers, warrant officers and doctors
(except Officer Commanding Hospital)
should be British born and locally
recruited. Total number 20 doctors 180
others: to what extent would it be possible
to meet these requirements?
Telegraph reply as soon as possible.
BONAR LAW.