CO129-446 - Others & Individuals - 1917 — Page 48

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Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to-

The Secretary,

War Office,

London, S.W.,

and the following number quoted.

0165/8259 (A.G.12.)

Sir,

26035

RECE

REG 21 MAY 17

War Office,

London, S.W.

2/at Hay, 1917.

46

In reply to your letter 19192/1917 of 14.4.17, I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that they agree to the rates of pay proposed by the Governor of Hong Kong in his telegram of 13th April for Chinese artificers raised at that station for East Africa.

As regards the other conditions mentioned in his telegram of 30th March 1917 the Council also agree that accommodation and medical attendance should be provided free but that full payment for food on both journeys should be required of the men as well as for food issued in East Africa.

The terms of compensation proposed viz.- in case of death, three months' pay; and in case of injury not exceeding 3 months pay, according to circumstances, are also approved.

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The Council would be glad if instructions could now be cabled to the Governor for the following numbers to be raised in Hong Kong on the above terms viz.-

Motor Mechanics

70

Turners

15

Spring Smiths

5

Engine Smitha

10

Carpenters

35

Tinsmiths

10

5

20

Vulcanisera

Cooks

The men should be organized in groups of trades. One Interpreter will be required for each group with the exception of the Kotor Mechanics and Carpenters who will require three and two respectively, making a total of eleven.

Officers will not be required but the men should be sent over under white supervision.

I am to ask whether it would be possible to obtain the services of three men of the foreman class of British nationality who could accompany the men and if so the following terms of pay compensation &c. are suggested

From $7 to $84 a day, no overtime pay but payment at same rate for Sunday if worked.

The provision of accommodation, medical attendance and food to be under the same conditions as for the men above mentioned.

Compensation for death, injury or sickness will be

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

dealt

3.W.