PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM.
18686
Reg 11 April
33
The Governor of Hong Kong to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
(Received, Colonial Office, 11.15 a.m., 11th April,·
1917.).
W.0/152975
With reference to your telegram Markh
27th and telegram of even date to War Office from General Officer Commanding. Compulsory Service Bill is being prepare(d) but will not increase numbers of present Volunteer Force until it is possible to raise Chinese Company of about two hundred and fifty. Efficiency however should be increased on reorganisa- tion under military command on which General Officer Commanding and I are occupied. Under the circum- stances and in present political situation I venture to suggest that immediate consideration might be given to further reduction of garrison indicated by General Officer Commanding.
MAY.