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6. At the urgent request of the Harbour-master, although his propositions have already been negatived by the Defence Committee, I forward his paper recommending the hire of sixteen armed launches for use-
(1.) To scout 15 and 8 miles from Hong Kong; (2.) To attack the boats of enemy's landing-party.
I do not recommend the scheme, as, in addition to the objections raised by the Defence Committee, I see other difficulties in the way.
To his Excellency
The Governor of Hong Kong.
Enclosure 2.
I have, &c.
W. BLACK, Major-General.
Sir,
Letter of the General Officer Commanding in China and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, December 10, 1898. WITH reference to my letter No. L.D.C., 18/98, of the 8th instant, forwarding a copy of the Defence Scheme revised to date, I have the honour to request that your Excellency will kindly notify to the Secretary of State that fourteen copies of the revised Scheme will, when printed, be required by me for distribution as under:-
General Officer Commanding, Commodore in Charge,
The Harbour-master,
Flag Captain, Flag Ship of C.-in-C.,
Officer Commanding R.A.,
Commanding Royal Engineer,
Secretary, Defence Committee.
The above are Members of the Local Defence Committee.
The Chief Staff Officer,
Dep. Asst. Adjt.-General (B. ),
Officer Commanding, Army Service Corps. Principal Medical Officer,
The Chief Ordnance Officer,
Officer Commanding British Infantry Battalion,
*---
Officer Commanding the Hong Kong Regiment.
I have, &c.
W. BLACK, Major-General.
To his Excellency
The Governor of Hong Kong.
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