CO129-346 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [1-3] — Page 224

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Government of India that their pensions should be paid in

that country and debited to this Government, but in the

case of men who receive a gratuity payment in India would

merely ensure their arrival there and would not guarantee

that they did not return.

In addition to repatriation (which

I consider important in the case of men trained to the use

of arms) I see no reason why the suggestions of the Shan-

-ghal Municipal Council should not be given effect to here

provided that the Treaty Ports, and other Goverments who

are allowed to recruit Indians co-operate. Private watch-

-men are a useful class in the maintenance of order, and

I should not be averse to thus ensuring the supply and

guaranteeing their repatriation at the cost of the employer.

I should also be glad to co-operate in making known the

liabilities incurred by a British-Indian subject who should

take service against His Majesty's Troops in time of war.

I do not at present see how it is

possible to effectively enforce legislation with the object

of preventing Indians from going Eastwards if they desire

to do so, and I am enquiring from the Straits Government

regarding the legislation in force in that Colony and the

means taken to render it effective.