380
1888. Owing to the subsequent growth of the revenue and the appreciation in the value of silver, the charge now only represents 11 per cent of Revenue as against 16 per cent when the contribution of 1863 was fixed.
Under these circumstances Mr. STANHOPE does not consider that any grounds exist for delaying the payment of the full contribution of £40,000.
With regard to the misunderstanding which has arisen as to the composition of the garrison, it is to be regretted that the correction of the term British Infantry" in the appendix to your despatch of January last, suggested by this Department, was not extended to similar expressions in the appendix and in the body of the despatch, which were calculated to mislead the Colony as to the intended composition of its garrison. As Lord KNUTSFORD is aware it was decided before that despatch was written that one of the Infantry Battalions would in all probability consist of Indian troops. The Secretary of State for War is in com- munication with the Governor of India on the subject, and Lord KNUTSFORD will be informed as soon as it is determined from what parts of India the Native Troops required for the Eastern Colonies shall be recruited. A further communica- tion will be made to you on the subject of Barracks referred to in paragraph 4 of your letter under reply.
I am, etc.,
(Sgd.), RALPH THOMPSON.
The
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
HONG KONG.
STATEMENT SHEWING THE STATE OF SUPPLY OF ARMAMENT TO THE ABOVE-NAMED
STATION.
R.M.L. Guns.
B.L. Guns.
R.M.L. Guns.
How**.
Q.F.
Machine Guns.
6-pr.
3-pr.
6
Approved,
Supplied,.
5 2 9 3 12
CO
6
F-
7
10
6
6 8 6
12
1 2 9 3 12
6
7 10 6
Co
6
8
12
•
Still Required,
7 June, 1890.
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