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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 nocessary. 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 quards these should be continued but only on payment of Full cost see paragraph 5 of enclosure 3 to my despatch of 5th January 1929. It might well be disastrous to allow period to intervene without guards and cost of military guard would be strong incentive to shipping companies to expedite less costly measure.
Copy sent to Pekin Canton Shanghai G. O.C. and Naval
Commander in Chief.
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