CO129-463 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [10-12] — Page 23

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to their destinations, namely Singapore, Java, and Penang. by the same Company. The Canadian Pacific Ocean Services steamers do not, however, go beyond this port and the agents of the Company in Hongkong stated that they could not obtain third class passages for these men within a month.

As Your Lordship is doubtless aware that, in steaners crossing the Pacific Ocean and on vessels plying between Hongkong, Singapore and India, third class pas888 are used solely by Asiatics of the emigrant class and I would ask that the attention of the Army Council should be drawn to the impropriety of providing such passages for repatriat- ed soldiers. Apart from the indignity and discomfort, which would be involved to the individuals concerned, the fact that the War Office apparently classes ex-non-commissioned- officers and men of His Majesty's forces with coolies must do infinite harm to the British name in the Far East.

In the circumstances this Government was com-

pelled to forward these men to their destinations Second Class by the R.M.S. "Plassey" at a cost of 330.72. I enclose vouchers showing the expenditure of this Government on passages and on board and lodging during the stay of the men in Hongkong and I should be glad if Your Lordship would forward these accounts to the War Office with a request that the sum expended may be refunded to this Government.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

B.E. Stubts

Governor,&c.

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