CO129-332 - Public Offices & Others - 1905 — Page 106

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104

C.O.

Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to-

18588

The Secretary,

War Office,

RECE

London, S.W.,

REG 31 MAY 05

And the following number quoted.

War Office,

083

4113 M.0.(1).

London, S.W.

sir,

wo

14575

30th May 1905.

With reference to my letter No.083/4113,1.0.(1) dated 1st instant in which the Army Council assented to the temporary retention of four battalions of native Indian infantry at Hong Kong, such retention to be strictly limited to the period during which the belligerent fleets were in the neighbourhood; I am now commanded by the Council to acquaint you for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that those fleets having departed from the neighbouring waters they propose to immediately proceed with the withdrawal of the batta- lions surplus to the approved garrison.

In order to obviate the considerable expenditure involved in the continued detention of the transport at Hong Kong, a telegram has already been despatched to the General Officer Commanding, South China, of which a copy is enclosed.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial office.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Moraw