CO129-584-11 Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps- mobilization 29-2-1940 - 11-5-1940 — Page 11

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81-139.

above because at that time it was hoped that they

could be supplied free of charge by the Military

Authorities from obsolete stocks: your despatch

No.450 of 28th November, 1939, intimated, however,

that this was not possible. These two sums of

$16,800 and $15,200 make a total of $32,000,

3.

for which amount a supplementary vote has already been approved by the Finance Committee (Finance Message No.1 of 1940-41, Item No.4) and your covering approval is now sought.

The strength of the Volunteer

Defence Corps on which the above-mentioned reserve of mobilization equipment was based was sixty officers and 1,500 other ranks. Since the time when the original estimate was made the strength of the Corps has undergone a further increase as a consequence of the Compulsory Service Ordinance, No.32 of 1939, and of the outbreak of the war. is now considered desirable to provide a reserve of mobilization equipment for a strength of approximately ninety officers

The cost of the and 2,000 other ranks. further equipment required is estimated

It

at $29,000 and another supplementary vote for this

amount will be placed before the Finance Committee at

an early date.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

f.led. horton

Governor.

12 END