Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to—
The Secretary,
War Office,
C
41946
London, S.W..
REC REG 4 SEP 16
and the following number quoted.
20/General No./ 4302 (A.G.1.)
Sir,
24
450
505
War Office,
London, S.W.
34 September
Auguet, 1916.
A
I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that they have agreed to the principle of the employment of Chinese labour for work in France and in other theatres of war in order that the British labour now being employed in France sto: may be released for work at home to mitigate the existing shortage of men in agriculture and industries.
The possibility of providing the British personnel with the exception of the Officer Commanding the Hospital and of enlisting Chinese Labour in sufficient numbere, through the medium of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong, has been suggested.
I am to say that, (should this labour be found suitable) the Army Council would be prepared to employ eventually up to about 10,000 men.
The Council make the following proposals :- Officers. Officers to be of British birth and to be granted
temporary commissions on the General list. Medical Officers to be of British birth and hold the necessary medical qualifications and to be granted
temporary commissions in the Royal Army Medical
Corps.
Enlistment. Men to be enlisted in Hong Kong in Special labour Corps (Chinese) and to be subject to Military Law.
The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office,
S.W.
Term