CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 335

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Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to--

The Secretary,

War Office.

London, S.W.,

and the following number quoted.

083/4942. (M.0.1.)

sir,

SECRET

3740. Regd 24 Jan 1916.

329

War Office,

London, S.W.

23rdanuary, 1916.

Gour.

With reference to your letter No.60040/1915,

dated 4th January, 1916, relative to the Defence of

Shameen, I am commanded by the Army Council to transmit

for the information of the Secretary of State for the

Colonies, a copy of correspondence with the Admiralty and

Foreign Office on this subject.

Having regard to the fact that the number of

infantry now available in the garrison of Hong Kong is

less than 1,700 of all ranks, the Council are of opinion

that the General Officer Commanding, China, will be

unable adequately to provide for the defence of the

concession at Shameen without grave prejudice to the

security of the Colony.

I am, however, to say that, if desired,

instructions will be issued to the General Officer

Commanding, China, to afford such limited assistance, as

is within his power, with the object of facilitating the

withdrawal of the British community from Shameen in case

of necessity.

I am,

sir,

r Secretary of State for the

Colonies,

Colonial Office, S.W.

Your obedient Servant,

n Culite

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