CO129-418 - Public Offices & Others - 1914 — Page 57

Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to-

The Secretary,

War Office,

24520

REG

PEG2 7 JUL 14

Urgent.

London, S.W..

and the following number quoted.

83/4806

(3.1.)

517,

54

War Office,

London, S.W.

6

July, 1914.

on this subject we had better ask to see the opinions

expressed by General Kelly.

H

With reference to your letter 16741 of 196 Jay

1914 and other correspondence relating to the question of

(about 2,300 men) the withdrawal of the additional Indian troops/temporarily

л stationed at Hong Kong, I am commanded by the Army Council

to inform you that it is now necessary to decide definitely

whether the garrison of Hong Kong shall be reduced to its

normal strength in the immediate future or shall continue

to be maintained at its present figures.

It is not possible, under the conditions existing

in the Indian Army, to keep these troops out of India

and as they were continuously for more than three years; sent to Hong Kong in January and February 1912, they must be

sent back to India in any event not later than the beginning

:

of 1915, other Indian units being sent out to Hong Kong to

The Govern- relieve them unless the garrison is reduced.

ment of India have asked to be informed not later than the

15th

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.