CO129-509-16 Application by Sir Robert Hon Tung for commission in Chinese Army for his son 3-2-1928 - 3-2-1928 — Page 6

- 2 -

6

soldier, and begged me to do my utmost to obtain for him a commission from either Marshal Chang Tso Lin or Wu Pei Fu.

I accordingly placed the facts before Marshal

Chang Tso-Lin, who, in order to help my son in his studies, was kind enough to give him a commission, which I presume must be an honorary one, since my son is not drawing any salary, or doing any work for Marshal Chang, the whole idea being to enable my son to enter the French Military Staff College.

I feel it is due to my son to state that he seemed genuinely distressed with the present chaotic state of China, and was ever desirous of performing some useful service to China. This desire increased with the passage of years, and in wishing to become a soldier he was actuated by an honest desire to serve China. Your Excellency can readily understand that my son's wishes and aspirations could not, and did not, escape strong family opposition; it was however hoped that time would act as a corrective of his views, and would adjust matters.

On the 12th January I heard that certain formali- ties in connection with his renunciation of British

nationality had not been completed, and I at once cabled to his sister in London (he himself being then in France)

as follows:-

"If possible strongly advise Robbie not to renounce "British Nationality until conference with me consult "Lockhart." (Sir Stewart Lockhart).

I am expecting my son to arrive here about the

middle of March for a holiday.

I hope that no words are necessary from me to assure Your Excellency of my intense loyalty to the British Government, and to the Colony of my birth; my whole life

constitutes

Page

- 3-

constitutes sufficient proof of my patriotism and sincere

sentiments as a loyal subject of His Majesty the King.

I desire only to add that should Your Excellency

desire any further explanation from me, I shall have the

honour to wait on Your Excellency any time that Your Excellency may desire.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Sd) R. HỌ TUNG.

Page

age 7

age 7