and maintained that independent of Newloon it was necessary to provide permanent accommodation here for 150 Officers and 1500 Rank and File.
I stated then that I thought the policy of Her Majesty's Government was tending the other way, and therefore, if it be decided now that only one Regiment is to be retained in this part of the China Command, I think it merely equitable that the premises of Newloon should no longer be appropriated for purposes which Her Majesty's Government distinctly disavow.
All the demands of the War Department have been acceded to. The time has now come when the Colony may fairly lay claim to its equitable right to the restoration of that which has not been used, and can no longer be required according to the avowed policy of Her Majesty's Government.
Neither the Barracks of which Colonel Lovell dreams, nor those which exist on paper at Newloon would suffice for the accommodation of any expeditionary force in the event of a war, though a force would doubtless be temporarily accommodated. I trust therefore that no delay will be experienced in acceding to the natural and just request which I here advance on the part of the Colony.
I have the honour to be,
Your most obedient servant,
Arthur Edward Kennedy.
Governor.