COPY OF LETTER.
M. 0426/16.
SECRET.
335
Admiralty,
17th. January 1916.
sir,
With reference to your letter of the 2nd. instant, No. 083/4942. (M.0.3.), I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that you will inform the Army Coun-
cil that the defence of Shamean cannot be undertaken by the Navy
although every assistance possible will be given in the event
of a military force having to be despatched from Hong Kong.
2.
My Lords desire me to suggest that, as the interesta
of Hong Kong are closely concerned, the Colonial Office might
be consulted in this matter.
3.
I am to add that the question whether it is desirable
to request the Japanese Government to undertake the defence of
Shameen appears to be for the consideration of the Foreign
Office and the Colonial Office.
I am,
Sir,
De Secretary,
War Office.
Your obedient Servant,
(Sa.) W.F.Nicholson.
for Secretary.