XXX SECRET (2).
Sir,
24
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
N 1958
HỒNG KONG.
19th May, 1938.
33500/3134
La
To led fant 16/7
Sant
J
1917
I have the honour to forward for your
consideration the accompanying copy of a draft
Bill of an Ordinance to amend the Registration of
Persons Ordinance, 1934.
2.
The proposed legislation is an
essential part of the Defence Scheme of the Colony.
As I informed Mr. Ormsby-Gore in my secret
15-despatch of the 7th of April, 1938, the intention
is, subject to your concurrence, to apply a
measure of compulsory service to all British
subjects, other than Chinese, of serviceable
age in the event of Great Britain being forced
into war or of the imminent probability of that
catastrophe. The possession of an up to date
Register, which in addition to being in effect
a census of British subjects (non-Chinese) showing
the particular abilities, if any, of such persons,
would obviously be of immense value should an
emergency of this nature arise: it would moreover,
be of very great advantage during peace time as
a reference in all matters connected with the peace
strength and organization of the Volunteer Forces.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
MALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.,
&C.,
&C.,
&C.
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