Sessional_Paper_1918 — Page 37

33

No.

1918

HONGKONG.

GENERAL MILITARY SERVICE.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, 30th May, 1918.

Telegram from the Governor of Hongkong to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 20th April, 1918.

Your telegram of 10th July, 1917, the Committee of the Hongkong General Cham- ber of Commerce have expressed unanimously the opinion in which I concur that com- pulsory Military Service beyond the Colony should now be imposed, essential economic trades being protected and a tribunal representative of all classes of the Commercial Community and with substantial commercial majority being appointed to adjudicate. I shall be glad to learn whether His Majesty's Government are now prepared to include Hongkong and to receive instructions as to the legal means by which compulsion is to be applied. I would recommend age limit not exceeding 45 years, discretion in Governor to define the racial application of the law and a small tribunal on lines of the Military Service Commission with an appeal from its decisions by individuals concerned, employ- ers, or the Military Authorities to the Governor in Council. The Civil Service in my opinion should be included in the compulsion but the decisions in its case should rest solely with the Governor. The Executive Council unanimously concur in my recommen- dation.

MAY.

Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor of Hongkong, dated 20th May, 1918.

My telegram 8th May proposals in your telegram 20th April generally approved age limit should not exceed forty years. For the present at any rate only men belong- ing to pure European descent should be attested. War Office consider that in view of probable small number, men should go to India for training where they will be attached to Sixth Training Battalion, Kirkee, with a view to being ultimately drafted to 1/6th Battalion Hampshire Regiment where they will serve together in the same company as far as possible. Men should be fit for general military service. As to legal means, follow- ing is extract from Jamaica Law, line of which may be followed. Every man whose name appears on any such list so signed by the Governor shall after such publication of such list as the Governor shall direct and within such time as the Governor shall ap- point, by notice to be published in the Jamaica Gazette, report himself for military service at such place and to such person as the Governor shall, in such notice or some other notice, appoint, and from and after such report and until his discharge such man shall be subject to Army Act as if he were part of His Majesty's Regular Forces :---

(a) while in Jamaica before and after serving as hereinafter mentioned : (b) while on the way from Jamaica for purpose of serving with the Imperial

Forces outside Jamaica:

(e) while serving with the Imperial Forces outside Jamaica: (d) while on the way back to Jamaica after so serving. Copies of Law sent to you 30th April 104.

LONG.