CO129-445 - Public Offices - 1917 — Page 15

EXTRACT.

NO.

600.

Sir,

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COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S OFFICE,

CHINA STATION.

SINGAPORE, 29th January, 1917.

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13

With reference to the Commodore's remarks on

"Hong Kong's Duty to the Nation", I was myself much distressed

by the general attitude there, and freely expressed my

views to the Commodore and to any others who asked them of

me.

Many were very anxious to do what they conceive to be

their duty but many also are quite satisfied with things as

they are. The argument used by these latter is that trade

etc., and in many cases the increased local trade, which benefits Hong Kong (and incidentally themselves), is of

advantage to the Empire, and consequently must on no account

be hampered by limitation of European staff or in any other

way. The same applies to a lesser extent to Singapore.

I am probably going beyond my province but, as the question has now been raised, feel very strongly that the

question should be taken up and dealt with with a firm hand

by the Imperial Government, according to Imperial necessity,

in order that a proper and proportionate Imperial burden

may be applied in these Colonies and felt equably by both the willing and unwilling.

*

*

非

at

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I am, etc.,

(Signed).

W. S. GRANT.

Vice Admiral.