CO129-465 - Public Offices & Others - 1920 — Page 434

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War Office,

London, S.W..

Showing number quoted.

083/1880. (M.0.3)

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35511

P. 20 JUL 0

War Office,

433

London, S.W.

17th. July, 1920.

The

Sir,

I am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No 19678/1920 of 6th. May, ing a copy of an Ordnance passed by the legislature of Hong-Kong

1920 forward- to provide for the establishment of a Volunteer Force. Council are glad to know that Lord Milner proposes to communicate to the Governor of Hong-Kong their suggestions for the improvement of the old Volunteer ordinance made in War Office letter No. 083/ 4880 (M.0.3) of April 17th., as these apply equally to the New Ordinance.

With regard to the new Ordinance the Army Council desire to make the following additional observations:-

(a) The Selection of Officers and M.C.09.

As has been pointed out by the Attorney-General of Hong-Kong in his report, the rroposed Ordinance introduce £ the principle of the election of officers and N.C.03. It appears that this new feature was inserted in the Ordinance owing to the support of the unofficial member s of the Committee which considered the Bill and Regula- tions, who may not have realised the possible effects of these provisions on the military efficiency and discipline of the Volunteer Force.

In order that the most suitable individuals available may be appointed Officers and N.C.0s. it is necessary that the system of election shall ensure that the respective characteristics of the various candidates are taken into consideration. As a general rule it may be said that the following qualifications should be looked for in the order given:-

(1) Character. (ii) Intelligence. (111) Experience.

If the appointment of Officers and N.C.Os. depends on election the degree in which different men possess these qualities is likely to be lost sight of, as their equals and juniors are not in a position to form correct views on these points, and may give their

Under-Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

S.7.1

/their

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