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Fast are secure," the Colonial Defence Committee infer that it will be sufficient if the proposed additions to the defences are put in hand at such time as would insure their completion by the earliest date on which the Anglo-Japanese Alliance can, in accordance with its terms, be denounced.
59. In this connection it is important that a clear distinction should be drawn between the conditions affecting an increase of personnel, and those affecting an increase of the fixed armament and the construction of works generally.
In time of peace reinforcements, naval or military, can reach even the remotest ports of the Empire within a few weeks of the issue of the order for their dispatch. The design and construction of works for heavy armament, on the other hand, cannot be completed in less than two years' time from the date of commencement.
It is therefore desirable that the design and construction of any works that may be required to meet the contingency of the termination of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance should be put in hand at least two years before the date of the possible termination of the Treaty, in order to ensure that the defences shall be ready for use when the occasion for their need arrives.
The Colonial Defence Committee have no information to enable them to form an opinion as to whether the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, which is terminable in the year 1915, is likely to be determined then or extended beyond that date. They suggest, however, that, in view of eventualities, the initiation of any works required to strengthen the defences at Hong Kong to meet the contingency of the termination of the Alliance should not be postponed later than the year 1918.
(Signed)
January 10, 1911.
J. R. CHANCELLOR, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
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