CO129-446 - Others & Individuals - 1917 — Page 38

LI

T.

Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to-

The Secretary,

War Office,

London, S.W.

and the following number quoted.

hin/2552 582

36

IREC

3239

REG 17 JAN 17

War Office,

London, S.W. 16

January, 1917.

Sir,

I am commanded by the Army Council to advert to your You letter No.1186/1916 of the 26th December 1916, enclosing a

copy of a telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong relative to

the enlistment of European Constables for service as Non-

Commissioned Officers on the establishments of the Chinese

Labour Battalions.

I am to state that European Constables are not

required as Non-Commissioned Officers with the Chinese Labour

Corps but the Army Council would be glad to have the European

Constables referred to for the Military Provost Staff Corps.

They would be trained at the Aldershot Detention

Barracks, where they should be instructed to report on arrival

in Great Britain and when trained would be drafted out to the

Military Prisons in the Field and would be very useful in

connection with any Chinese Prisoners.

It is understood that the passages of the constables

selected will be paid by the Colony.

I am to add that it is advisable that the men should

be medically examined before being sent to Great Britain and

should be fit for General Service that is to say they should be

free from serious organic disease, able to march, see to shoot,

hear well and stand active service conditions.

Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

Downing Street,

S.F.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

An

Cucito