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since the primary object is the protection of His Majesty's ships, and not the improvement of the harbour. I am, moreover, compelled in the existing financial difficulties to reiterate my pre- decessor's statement, that no contribution at all can at the present time be made by the Colony towards the project.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
F. D. LUGARD, Governor, &e.
Sir,
No. 2.
Secretary of State to Governor.
Colonial Office, July 10, 1908.
•
1. With reference to my predecessor's Secret despatch of the 2nd December last, I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a minute by the Colonial Defence Committee on the subject of the defence of Hong Kong harbour against attack by torpedo craft.
2. I should be glad if you would obtain further information as to the practicability of Sir M. Nathan's proposal for the construction of a breakwater on Kellet's Bank to close a portion of the entrance to the harbour, and as to the measure of protection which such a breakwater would afford to His Majesty's ships lying in harbour against attack by torpedo craft. A copy of a letter from the Admiralty on the subject is enclosed for your information.
Enclosure.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
I ain, fc. (Signed)
Bir,
Admiralty, July 3, 1908. 1. With reference to your letter (No. 16140) of the 9th May, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request that you will inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies that they concur in his proposal to instruct Sir F. Lugard to obtain further information as to the practicability of constructing a defence breakwater at Hong Kong (on Kellet's Bank) to close a portion of the entrance of the harbour, and as to the measure of protection against torpedo-boat attacks such a breakwater would afford.
2. It is presumed that the work proposed would be about a mile long, and it may be pointed out that the cost of the defence work to be built at Portsmouth, which will be about double this length, is estimated at 16,000l. The work at Portsmouth may be roughly described as a line of 60-ton blocks with 45-feet spaces between, the blocks being so arranged as to render it dangerous for torpedo craft to get through without, however, preventing the free circulation of the water.
Looking, however, to the expense of carrying out engineering works of this character at Hong Kong, this estimate would form only a rough guide to the cost of building a breakwater at Hong Kong. Moreover, it is probable that blocks of a larger size than those used at Ports- mouth would be required, owing to the greater force of the storms to which Hong Kong is exposed. Further information regarding the Portsmouth breakwater can be supplied, if required. 3. Their Lordships consider it desirable that, when instructions are issued to Sir F. Lugard, attention should be drawn to the following points :—
(a.) Typhoons at Hong Kong usually commence from the north-east, and the wind blows with greatest force from that direction. If the proposed breakwater were established, it is to be expected that many native craft driven from their anchors would be wrecked on the obstruction during typhoons, and great loss of life be caused thereby.
(b.) Very great harm, the extent of which it impossible to forecast, might ensue to the harbour from silting and from changes due to interference with the natural circulation if any obstruction which did not permit free circulation of water were placed on Kellet's Bank.
Any permanent obstruction would therefore require to be so built that, while forming an efficient defence against torpedo-boat attack, it will at the same time cause the least possible interference with the flow of water.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
W. GRAHAM GREENE.
• Not printed.
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