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088
Cr
PARAPHRASE of a telegram from the Secretary of
State for the Colonies,
To the Governor of Hong Kong.
(Sent 10.15 a.m.. 13th September, 1916.)
552
!
Whether it would be possible to raise force of eventually about 10,000 Chinese coolies in 10 labour battalions for service in France and else- where for the purpose of relieving British labourere for work in United Kingdom, is subject of an enquiry from War Office.
I should be glad to have your views as to feasibility of proposal which His Majesty's Govern- ment are anxious to carry out and as to the suitability of the class of labour locally available, having regard to climatic conditions especially in France, before I telegraph in detail the proposals.
It is also suggested by War Office that all officers, warrant officers and doctors, with the exception of Officer Commanding Hospital, should be British born and locally recruited. Total number should be 20 doctors and 180 others: to what extent could these requirements possibly be met? Please telegraph as soon as possible your reply. This telegram should be repeated to His Majesty's Minister at Peking.
BONAR LAW.
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