CO129-438 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 341

COPY OF LETTER.

M. 0426/16.

SECRET.

335

Admiralty,

17th. January 1916.

sir,

With reference to your letter of the 2nd. instant, No. 083/4942. (M.0.3.), I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that you will inform the Army Coun-

cil that the defence of Shamean cannot be undertaken by the Navy

although every assistance possible will be given in the event

of a military force having to be despatched from Hong Kong.

2.

My Lords desire me to suggest that, as the interesta

of Hong Kong are closely concerned, the Colonial Office might

be consulted in this matter.

3.

I am to add that the question whether it is desirable

to request the Japanese Government to undertake the defence of

Shameen appears to be for the consideration of the Foreign

Office and the Colonial Office.

I am,

Sir,

De Secretary,

War Office.

Your obedient Servant,

(Sa.) W.F.Nicholson.

for Secretary.