CO129-508-13 Employment of British and Indian troops stationed at Hong Kong 31-12-1927 - 20-8-1928 — Page 28

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30060/27 no69

at Tientsin, together with the necessary ancillary troops.

8.

Sir Miles Lampson in his telegram of the 7th

November asked that consideration should be given to the

question whether all British troops in China should not now

be placed under one command. In view of the great distance

between Hong Kong in the South and Tientsin in the North,

I do not consider that unification of the com.and is either

possible or desirable. As soon as conditions in Shanghai permit, I recommend that the original North and South China commands should be reestablished and that the Yangtsze

should be included as heretofore in the South China Command.

This despatch has been seen by Major-General

9.

C.C. Luard, C.B., C.I.G., General Officer Commanding the Troops, South China Command, who concurs in its terms and is himself addressing the Jar Office on the subject by

even mail.

10.

Mr. R.F. Johnston, the Commissioner at

Weihaiwei, with whom I have discussed the matter, has

written to me expressing the hope that the project to station a British battalion in the territory he administers

will be realized.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Governor, &c.

P.S. A copy of the General Officer Commanding the Forces' despatch to the War Office, posted by even mail, confirming my views as set out above is enclosed. Further copies have been sent direct to the Naval Commander-in-Chief and General Duncan, to His Majesty's Linister, Peking and the Commissioner, Weihaiwei.