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APPENDIX I,
Hong Kong,
12th June 1886.
Sir,
After a close inspection of the defences of Hong Kong Harbour, we are forced to the conclusion that a perfectly efficient defence of the western entrance cannot be secured under present conditions.
The distance from Belcher's Point to Stonecutter Island is about 4,000 yards, a distance which is much too great to be efficiently defended by submarine mines, unassisted by passive obstructions. An increase to the armament would not afford any satisfactory solution to the question.
A fort on Kellet's Bank has been proposed, but such a fort could only be erected at an enormous cost, and would not decrease the space to be defended by submarine mines.
We are about to urge on the War Office the absolute necessity of blocking Kellet's Bank, as shown in the attached tracing, and we shall be obliged if you will forward this letter to His Excellency the Acting Governor, in order that the Colonial Govern- ment may be informed of the exact circumstances of the case, and the vital importance, from a defensive point of view, of permanently closing a portion of the western entrance to the harbour.
It is proposed that the obstruction should consist of a line of piles, with their tops showing above water.
We are aware that the blocking of Kellet's Bank has already been mooted by the War Office, but we do not think that the importance of the subject has been sufficiently brought before your notice.
We trust, therefore, that this proposal may have the serious consideration of the Colonial Government.
We have, &c.,
(Signed)
C. H. FAIRFAX ELLIS,
G. BARKER,
Lt.-Col., R.A.
The Officer Commanding the Troops,
Capt., R.E., and Lt.-Col.
China and Straits Settlements.
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