The Ambassador addressed the officers and ranks of the Garde: "Today you are being honoured, after having often been in danger. If I have made it a point personally to hand these colours to you, it is because I wish to show you how grateful I am, and to tell you how much I esteem you, you in whose hands are placed the order and security of the French Concession.
"Created in 1866, your strength 72 years ago was composed of 47 Frenci members and 20 Chinese auxiliaries: Later it was increased by contingents of Tonkinese guards, new Chinese units, Russian companies, armoured cars and motorized detachments. Today you form two complete battalions maintaining the highest military traditions, and the prestige of your formation is kept high by the courage of the troops and their abner tion in the accomplishment of thei task. You are not only the guardians of the public order in the concession, but are also called upon to collaborate in the front lines with the land and naval forces in its protection during troubled times "I personally witnessed you at work in 1913, in 1916, and in 1927. when you were under my orders, and I already had the opportunity of appreciating your zeal, devotion. and the intelligence and efficiency of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.