CO129-418 - Public Offices & Others - 1914 — Page 59

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prospect of its being held possible for some years hence.

As was pointed out in the War Office letter dated 25th March last to the Foreign Office (of which a copy is attached), the normal garrison of Hong Kong would be able to furnish temporarily some 650 troops for service elsewhere in emergency.

In these circumstances, the choice lies between accepting such risk as may be involved in withdrawing the extra troops at a very early date, and placing an increased charge on Army Estiuates, for years to come, of some £100,000 a year, with an additional 250,000 every third year. For

the current year, as far as can be foreseen, this would

involve provision by Supplementary Estimate.

The Amay

Council are most reluctant to accept these extra burdens,

and they again invite r. Harcourt's earnest consideration

of this subject.

A similar communication has been sent to the

Foreign Office.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

b A Culitt