CO129-423 - Governor Sir May - 1915 [7-8] — Page 501

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at least one Destroyer should be kept in the anchorage.

I told Major General Ventris at the same time that I would

ascertain when the 0.8.4. cruiser Wilmington which had gone

to Canton in connection with flood relief would be likely to

return to Canton- Hongkong.

4. On the 30th July I had already given instructions for

tae enrolment under section 10 of the Ordinance bo 27 of 1914

of the Special Police Reserve in order to supply deficiencies

in the ranks of the European police; and I autnofised the G.B.P

to issue to the Force their rifles and ammunition. This was

done as quietly and unostentatiously as possible. Special

arrangements were made to safeguard the custody of the suspects

in Victoria Gaol,

On the Ist August I had a private interview with the Con-

sul General for the U.S.A., who is on excellent tems with this

Government, and I ascertained that the U.S.A. Cruiser Wilmington

would propadly require to visit Hongkong for coal in the course

of the week. I informed him in guarded language that I should

be glad if it were found convenient for her to come here al though

I did not anticipate any trouble and was unwilling to make an

official request for her assistance, Mr Anderson promised to

communicate privately with Captain Hough, the able and discreet

officer who commands this ship, and the vessel arrived here on the