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[Page 143]
explain the details of my financial doings, and the accounts, to the Treasury Officials.
The composition of the new force of 10,000 has been decided upon, but the Brigade Commanders have not yet been selected. I am an applicant, and am anxiously awaiting an announcement. In the meantime, I have resumed duty at the Water Board, to allow of my locum tenens obtaining leave, in case I should be going away again.
I have found the greatest difficulty in explaining to people here, the difference between the "Military occupation of an enemy's country" and "Annexation". Most people think because our troops are in New Guinea, that it is, therefore British Territory.
By the way, I see you have corrected the printed heading of the letter paper I left with you, [page 138] by adding the word "late" before the words "German New Guinea". Is it not still German?. See Chapter XIV, Manual of Military Law, Sec. 366, which I have always relied on.
Two of my men who were sick on arrival, died; all others are doing well. Personally I am very fit, and other officers are rapidly improving. I hope the wet season, with its accompanying evils, is not treating you too badly.
With kindest regards.
[William Holmes]