CO129-429 - Public Offices & Others - 1915 — Page 362

sir,

28868

RECS

REG 22 JUN 15

China Command 4444/117.

350

Headquarters Offices,

China Command,

30th January 1915.

In reply to your 135/14 of 29th January 1915, I have the honour to agree with Your Excellency that the matter is not worth the expense of a telegram. I shall be obliged if you will send a copy of my C.R. No. 4444/117 of the 29th January and of this letter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

We are fighting an enemy who leaves no stone unturned to injure us morally and physically and it is most undesirable on military (and I am authorised to say on Naval) grounds that funds should be placed in the hands of anyone who in all probability will use part at least of them in his country's service. Er. Bitzer has already been Court artialled for breaking the terms of his parole when resident here. He is now residing within two hours railway journey of Hong Kong, where he has every opportunity of working mischief.

Had the Secretary of State for the Colonies cable dated 11th November last arrived before your Excellency's direct order No. 3302 dated 5th November, to me to allow him to proceed to Lilong he would have been deported to Shanghai where his potentiality for mischief would have been less than it is in the locality which is so well known to him.

I have the honour to be,

Your Excellency's most obedient Servant,

(Signed) F.H. Kelly, ajor-General, Commanding the Troops, China Command.

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

Governor, etc.,

Hong Kong.

Addressed to H.E. the Governor, Hong Kong.