Gov. 19486/18 H'Kong.
Fad
Sir,
C. D.
27 APR
107
Downing Street,
29
April 1918.
DRAFT.
The Secretary,
(19486)
War Office.
(29575)
Mr.
MINUTE.
With reference to the letter from this
Department of the 26th July 1917 I am directed by Fr. Secretary Long to request you to lay before the Army Council the accompanying copy of a telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong recommending the imposition of compulsory military service beyond the Colony. A copy of a telegram dated 19 May 1917 shewing the number of men available in Hong Kong is also enclosed.
2. If the Army Council concur Mr. Long would Cowell 16-4-18 propose to approve legislation on the lines
indicated by the Governor.
Mr. Beckett.
Mr.
Apl +18)
Risley 24/4/18
Mr. Grindle.
Mr. Lambert.
Mr. Read.
Sir G. Fiddes.
Mr. Hewins.
Mr. Long
26
(19486) Gov H.K. 20 Apl. Gov.H.K. 19 May 1917.
(29575)
25975
3.
As regards the legal position Mr.Long is advised that there will be no difficulty in imposing compulsory military service beyond the
Colony by legislation similar to that which has
already been passed in certain West Indian
lu acendone with murder, Colonies by which, men are placed on Section 177 of the Army Act, when com So conscripted au
brought under the
Act.
4. In view of the probable numbers which will be available Mr.Long would suggest that it
might be desirable that the men on arrival shoul
form a company of a British regiment in the same manner as the white recruits from Bermuda form
a company of the Lincoln regiment.
Mr.Long would be glad to receive the
5.
observations