CO129-445 - Public Offices - 1917 — Page 17

As

iresult it int

may to found, wssible.

to where

a con hom

the regular jaunson fo

runcie zbinhere.

3 The for ales an implate.

the site thishment, if

huessay?

boad

& heide whether individuals

can be opened.

propersonal

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atindo to Colony

Zisers

Grundle

Sir.

15309/1917.

CONFIDENT LẠI

Downing Street,

19 March, 1917.

15

I am directed by Mr. Secretary Long to acknow- ledge the receipt of your letter (No.M.C2658/17) of the

21st arch with regard to the attitude to the war of the inhabitants of Hong Kong and to request you to inform

the the Lords Commissioners of Admiralty that, with the

concurrence of the Secretary of State the Governor

proposes to introduce legislation with a view to the establishment of compulsory service for local defence.

2. It is anticipated that as a result it may be found possible to release a portion of the regular garrison for service elsewhere.

*

3. The Governor alsc contemplates the establish-

ment, if necessary, of a board to decide whether individuals can be spared from professional or mercan- tile firma for service outside the Colony.

I am,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

G Grindle

R SECRETARY

TO THE ADIKALTY.