66762-1920-Report-on-the-Hongkong-Defence-Corps-for-1918-19 — Page 2

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, SEPTEMBER 10, 1920. 313

2. The last occasion on which the Oversea Defence Committee offered any remarks on the Hongkong Local Forces was in October, 1913, when the Report on the Hongkong Volunteer Corps for 1912-13 was before them. Since that date the war has intervened, and in September, 1917, the local forces of the Colony were reorganised as the Hongkong Defence Corps under the terms of the Military Service Ordinance, 1917. The total strength of the units comprising the new Corps was 826 of all ranks on the 31st March, 1919, and of this number 729 are classed as efficient in the Reports for the year now. under review.

That such a high percentage of efficients is recorded cannot but be a matter for the congratulation of all concerned, especially in view of the fact that the total strength of the force was on the 31st March, 1919, almost three times that of the Volunteer Force on the corresponding date in 1913.

3. The Committee cannot allow the opportunity to pass without calling attention to the satisfaction with which they note not only this increase in numbers and efficiency, but also the valuable services which have been performed by the Local Forces of the Colony during the period which has elapsed since the issue of their Remarks, No. 638 R.

4. Again, they hope that now the war is over, and that there is not the same inducement for men to interest themselves in military service, the efficiency of the Corps will not be allowed to deteriorate, and that every possible effort will be made to keep up the spirit of keenness shown by all ranks during the emergency period, and to maintain an efficient force at the maximum strength practicable.

5. In this connection they would point out that, in view of the increased obligations of the Imperial Government due to the war, even greater reliance than in the past will in the future have to be placed on Colonies to maintain their local forces at the maximum strengths practicable so as to make it possible to reduce to a minimum the Imperial expenditure on garrisons and warships maintained oversea. The Committee look with confidence, therefore, to the Hongkong Defence Corps to maintain so far as practicable in the future the high standard of efficiency which it has reached during the war.

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7. It is very satisfactory to observe the high standard in musketry which has been reached during the year.

January 16, 1920.

My Lord,

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(Signed)

S. H. WILSON, Secretary,

Oversea Defence Committee.

APPENDIX.

Officer Administering the Government to Secretary of State.

Hongkong, June 2, 1919.

With reference to Sir Henry May's confidential despatch of the 14th August, 1918, I have the honour to transmit a copy of a letter from the General Officer Commanding, submitting the Annual Report on the Hongkong Defence Corps for the past year, and a copy of my reply.

2. As a private in the Corps myself I can endorse, from personal experience, the high opinion formed by Major-General Ventris of Major Morgan's work as Administrative Commandant. The system under which a senior officer of the garrison is appointed to command the Defence Corps is a good

but it is necessary to exercise great care in the selection of such an officer.

one,

I have, &c.,

(Signed)

CLAUD SEVERN, Officer Administering the Government.