CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 470

Headquarters,

52010

South China Command,

REC Ped: 18 DEC

Hongkong.

9th November, 1914.

467

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to report that the question

has arisen as to who is to bear the cost of upkeep of the familie

of german prisoners in Hongkong.

The cost of maintenance of Prisoners of War is of

course an Imperial charge, and is fully provided for in regul-

ations, but there is no Appvision in any regulations as regards

their families. These latter have been interned on Tour

Excellency's order, approved by that of the Secretary of State

for the Colonåes, and it is more than probable that the War

Office may not be willing to accept charges for their maintenance

In the case of prisoners who are in a position

to maintain their families themselves I consider that the cost

of doing so should fall upon the individuals, and the actual

cost of maintenance might be refunded by the liquidatora of the

different firms.

I should be glad to know Your Excellency's views

on the question as it is one which should be settled early, and

I am inclined to think that charges on account of families is

one which will not be accepted without demur by the Imperial

authorities.

The point seems to admit of some doubt and Your

Excellency will probably refer the matter hème.

His Excellency Sir, F.H.May, K,C,M.G.,

Governor, &c.,

Hong Kong