CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10] — Page 443

NO CONFIDENTIAL.

44888/5/14

441

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG. 9th October, 1914.

Sir,

(In Deft">

S.of S to Governor,

7th August, 1914.

om Governor to s.of s.

8th August 1914.

S.of S. to Governor,

9th August,1914.

bm S.of S. to Governor,

18th August 1914.

+

With reference to the cypher telegrams noted in the

margin, paraphrases of which are enclosed for

convenience of reference, I have the honour to

transmit for your consideration and favour of

instructions by telegraph thereon, the enclosed

copy of correspondence with His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, South China, on the subject of the

treatment as prisoners of war of those enemy subjects, allowed to

remain in the Colony under parole, who have now become liable to

Military service in consequence of the calling out of the various

classes of the Landeturm. I enclose also copy of a letter address-

ed to me by the Commodore on the same subject.

Jaures & tou

ruuves

sture

2.

On receipt of Major-General Kelly's letter of the 1st

instant I discussed it with him orally and expressed the opinion

that inasmuch as all the 74 persons concerned had been under parole

for a considerable time and had conducted themselves well and

as the large majority of them were well known residents connected

with business firms licensed to trade in the Colony, I considered

that they were covered by your telegram of the 9th of August. I deprecated telegraphing to you on the subject as the facts could not be laid before you within the compass of a telegram, and it was agreed that I should refer the question to you in a despatch and ask

for a telegraphic reply.

The first and second Landsturm were, according to

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, EP.,

&C..

&c.