CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9] — Page 456

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the bill, I stated that it was not the present intention to call up men other than those of British race, at any rate in

any large numbers. The better class Chinese of British

nationality have been doing admirable work as members of the

Police Reserve and the local branch of the St. John's

Ambulance Brigade, and on further consideration I have decided

that it would not, for the present at least, serve any useful

purpose to make further demands upon them in comection with

local defence; one of the chief difficulties being the question

of finding a definition of British subject which would include

the class required and would at the same time give opportunity

to exclude the large number of Chinese of the coolie class,

born in Hongkong, whose services would be valueless for military purposes.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Влад

Governor, &c..