No,
EXTRACT
/020.
Sir,
"TAMAR" at HONGKONG.
31st December, 1916.
11
*
鏝
#
1 $
HONGKONG'S DUTY TO THE NATION. In regard to the
war, the seriousness of the situation does not appear to be
appreciated by the majority of the citizens of HONGKONG. I
have had the opportunity of discussing the matter with several
of the prominent business men of the Colony, the great majority
of whom are of the opinion that the Colony is not doing its
share either in the way of providing men for the Front, or of
subscribing to war funds.
Unfortunately I have come into conflict with the
Governor over this matter, and he has practically forbidden
the discussion of man-power or finance amongst the people of
HONGKONG, and has stated that the necessary steps are being taken
by his Government; the fact remains that there are a number
of men of Military age who could be spared for duty outside the
Colony, where in spite of the urgent need and enormous
sacrifices being made at home, the normal life is being led
race meeting being held, and an unnecessary amount of money
being spent on food and drink.
The matter appears to me to be so pressing that it
would seem advisable to bring it to the notice of the
authorities at home, in order that some independent enquiry
might be held as to the number of men who could be spared for
service at the front or for embodiment in the regular forces
here in order to release Officers and men for active service.
I am not in a position to state the number of men
available, but I am strongly of the opinion that quite a number of intelligent men are available and willing to be sent home for
active/