CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919 — Page 571

Enclosure in Tokyo Despatch No. 338 Secret of August 15, 1919,

CONFIDENTIAL

Report No, L. 1.

Bef. H. A./80.

UNMARRIED OFFICERS IN FORMOSA.

sir,

British Embassy, TOKI 0.

8th, August 19.

501

I have the honour to inform you that I am informed on very good authority that unmarried Japanese Officers quartered in Formosa are strongly urged (practically obliged) to deposit with their Regimental Commander 10 Yen per month of their pay whilst they are serving in that Island. The usual period of service is 3 years. At the end of this time, therefore, they have more than 360 Yen to their credit.

This sum, whilst they are in Formosa, is placed by their Colonel in the Savings Bank. Prior to leaving the Island, the Officers receive the amount deposited, plus interest, and are then allowed to go on leave to such places as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Amoy, &c. for the purpose of improving their education.

Reports reach us from time to time regarding the considera- ble number of Japanese officers visiting such places as Hong Kong, and I venture to suggest, therefore, that the information given above is of interest, as it probably accounts for the visit of many such officers to British atations in the Far East, and helps to dissipate the rumour heard now and them that such Officers have been sent there by the Japanese Authorities for the purpose of spying.

I have the honour to be,

H. B. M's Minister,

Sir,

İ

!

Your most obedient Servant,

(sd.) c. R. WOODROFFE.

Copy to C. G. S.,

Simla.

Brigadier General, Military Attache.