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albajesty's Government that the contribution is to be paid- the votes of Councillors Official or unofficial will this will therefore be of little moment.. but I apprehend that if Members of this Government were to vote in opposition to the Grant, their willingness to abide by the decision of the Secretary of State might be called in question, more especially as this decision has been conveyed after consideration of all the arguments adduced by the Governor, His Excellency, and yourself in support of the Colony's claim for exemption.
Although personally opposed to the Grant, therefore, I shall feel it my duty to support it - but I wish distinctly to state that I entirely concur in the opinion expressed, that troops are not required for the internal security or defence of the Colony, and that Hong Kong would sustain but little loss by their withdrawal, even against Foreign Aggression, having the command of the sea (by whom alone we could be attacked) the Force would be useless.
Likewise with regard to the Financial question, I am of opinion that the Calculation as to the Colony's ability to meet the demand has been made on an erroneous basis- for instead of the Revenues of the year 1866-61, and 62 showing a surplus, an average deficiency was found... to raise the money of nearly £12,000. And that should it be necessary would...