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in the event of riot at the present time. I said that my view was that in such an emergency it would be for the Civil Police to restore order if they could, and that requisition for assistance from the Kilitary Authorities should be made by, or with the authority of, the Governor in accordance with established proced- ure, if the situation threatened to get beyond their control. Major-General Kelly replied that he took the view that under his reading of the Order-in-Council it would be for the Kilitary Authorities to undertake the suppression of the riot ab initio.
5.
As the most cordial relations exist between Major- General Kelly and myself it is not likely that in the emergency of a serious disturbance we would act otherwise than in co-operat- ion and concert, still this point is one of vital importance for any precipitate action on the part of Military Officers not trained to the control of a mob and without the knowledge of the language, character and idiosyncrasies of the Chinese who would compose the mob, for there is no other section of the community numerous enough to create a riot, might lead to the most deplor- able results.
shall be obliged, therefore, if you will advert
to this particular point in communicating your decision on the general question.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble servant,
Br
..
Governor,&c.
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