¢
COPY.
No.2309/1917.
Endi caure 1.
407
Sir,
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 10th May, 1917.
With reference to your application for 3 months' leave and to your interview with the Governor on the 7th instant, I am directed to inform you that it would be convenient if you
were to resign your command of the Hongkong Volunteer Force 18
from the 23rd instant.
His Excellency explained to you that it is the
intention to re-organize the Volunteer Force under Military
Officers of the Regular Garrison as far as the Artillery and
Engineers units are concerned and to place the Infantry unit
likewise under a Military Commander,
The change is in no wise a reflection on your capacity or on your command of the force; and I am to take this opportunity to convey to you the thanks of the Government of this Colony for your long and valuable service with the Hongkong
Volunteers and to add the expression of His Excellency's appre-
-ciation of your unselfish devotion to the Force during the many
years you have been connected with it.
I am to add that while your command allowance will
cease from the date of your resignation, you will be recommended
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for a non-pensionable additional personal allowance of 8300 per annum without exchange compensation from the same date.
I am, etc.,
(8d.) I. Fletcher,
Colonial Secretary.
Lieutenant-Colonel A. Chapman, V.D.