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even be possible to develop scheme in time into a
permanent force on the lines suggested by shipping
companies but I am myself doubtful if this will be found necessary. The possibility of utilising Wei Hai Wei Police Force on rendition of Wei Hai Wei was mentioned but I am without information as to when the force might
become available.
There remains the question of what is to be done between 1st April and time when Indian guards can be
To meet this difficulty supplied in sufficient numbers.
I can only suggest that if as Ministers despatch No.1789 implies it will still be possible to supply military guards these should be continued but only on payment of Pull cost see paragraph 5 of enclosure 3 to my despatch of 5th January 1923. It might well be disastrous to allow period to intervene without guards and cost of militery guard would be strong incentive to shipping companies to expedite less costly measure.
Copy sent to Pekin Canton Shanghai G.0.C. and Faval
Commander in Chief.
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