a copy of despatch from the
Acting Governor of
Hong Kong, forwarding
a copy of a
letter from Colonel Commanding on the defence of the Colony, which suggests the removal
of the Naval and
Military Establishments
to a more eastward position on Hong Kong, for the temporary defence of that Island:
Lord Kimberley thinks it would be desirable to hold Colonel Crossman's scheme in abeyance only. I am to add that the Plan which accompanied Colonel Crossman's letter has been omitted.
It should be considered also in its bearing on the safety of the Civil European population, including the possibility of an outbreak such as Col. Crossman refers to.
I am to add that the Report of the local Committee appointed to consider the question of the Defence of Hong Kong has not yet been received.
JamL JB.