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[Page 161]
(2)
(1) "As I have no notification cancellation my appointment as Administrator, am doubtful of my position on arrival here of Colonel Pethebridge. Does he supercede me at once as Administrator of all late German possessions now under my jurisdiction, or am I to continue until six months service has expired, then transfer to Petheridge and return Australia for further service.
(2) "Only 10 per cent all ranks of my command prepared to remain here at present rates; if scale pay reduced none will re-engage. Suggest, therefore, relief force consisting of half battalion infantry be organized to replace my present command. I consider this number sufficient to garison possessions South of the Equator providing seas are kept clear by our ships."
The first mentioned message was sent to clear up a doubt in my mind as to what was intended in regard to myself. At first I had the impression that Colonel Petheridges's services would be confined to the occupation of the Islands of the Pelew, Ladrone, Marshall and Caroline Groups North of the Equator, where I had not yet placed garrisons, and that my jurisdiction would be confined to Kaiser Wilhelmsland and the Bismark Archipelago. all of which I am now occupying, with the exception of Bougainville which will be dealt with in a few days upon the arrival of the "Una", but your message of the 25th November seemed to imply that Colonel Petheridge's jurisdiction was to extend to the whole of the late German possessions, both North and South of the Equator, but I have no doubt upon the arrival here of Colonel Petheridge on the 5th December, this matter will be clearly set at rest by the necessary documents which he is sure to have in his possession.
Personally I would prefer to be permitted to return to Australia with the Troops of my command at the expiration of their six months period of service, as it seems to me that military work here, beyond merely garrison duty, is now at an end, and I should like an opportunity of returning to Australia to resume military work as early as possible with the hope of obtaining an appointment in connection with further Contingents to be despatched to Europe.
With regard to the disposal of the force at present here after the conclusion of their six months engagement, I find that the monotony of garrison duty is becoming tiresome to most of the men, and upon enquiry being made around the garrison, I find that no more than 10 per cent of all ranks will select to re-engage for another term of service here, and that only on the clear understanding that there is no reduction in their present scale of pay, as there seems to be an impression here, the truth of which of course I know nothing officially, that the 200 men who are being sent for service in the Islands North of the Equator are receiving pay at the rate of 4/6 per day only, and it was feared that reegagement for further service in these parts would be offered only at this rate of pay. If this be the case, then no members of the original Expeditionary Force are prepared to re-engage. In addition to the monotony of garrison work, service in the Tropics is very trying, and although the men do not wish to continue service here, I do not think there will be any difficulty in reengaging their services on arrival in Australia for despatch to Europe.