CO129-444 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1917 [10-12] — Page 257

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RE! 23 NOV 17

TELEGRAM. From the Acting Governor of Hong Kong to the

Secretary of State for the Colonies

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(Received Colonial Office 8.10 a.m. 23rd November 1917)

With reference to my code telegram of November 3rd

Gov

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am requested by unofficial members of Legislative Council to transmit following message. Begins:-

We have learnt with profound concern that no assurance

has been given yet that the intolerable injustice peculiar to this Colony under which His Majesty's forces are labouring with regard to rate of exchange at which their rate of pay in sterling is converted is to be remedied and we especially desire to urge strongly that authority may be granted to pay such compensation at once out of the funds of the Colony. Position is now that all wives and families of ranks below that of officers are relying on charity. Community feel very strongly that it is a disgrace to them that men who have made great sacrifices for their country and to defend this Colony should be reduced to such straits and demand ti that prompt action should be taken. End of message.

SEVERN.

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