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felsgram from the Governor of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State

for the Colonies.

Dated 17th. July, 1939.

Received 7,5 a.m. 17th, July.

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No.203. Confidential.

Compulsory Service Bill published Saturday has been received well locally, When drafting address to the Legislative Council sent to you recently I visualised simultaneous publication: I shall now omit as unnecessary description of conscription procedure but in order to meet local criticism regarding the exclusion of non European British subjects from the operations of the Ordinance I propose (1) to explain that the operation of the measure is restricted because it is only workable by means of the complete register which does not exist of non European British subjects and (2) to add that I am aware that large number of good class volunteers would be forthcoming from that class should the

demand be made,

I intend to include material from your despatch No.31 regarding the key posts group, vide clause 11 of the Bill: in this connection I em referring to the problems set up by the key men who are at present volunteers adding that decision will be taken on the return of the General Officer Commanding.

Unless I hear to the contrary shall presume that

you have no objection to the foregoing,

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