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provided for within a limited period, and with the means which may possibly be available within that time.
The proper defence of the Lymoon Pass requires the construction of two batteries at least on the point overlooking it, which should bring a fire on ships approaching and passing through the narrows. But as this channel is free from obstruction, and a strong current flows through it, dependence could not be placed on these batteries alone; but a second line of defence would be needed. For this purpose, North Point and Kowloon Dock Point should be occupied with guns, to prevent any ship that may have succeeded in running the narrows from bombarding the town, establishments, and shipping in the harbour.
As, however, the point in question (Lymoon Pass) is commanded by high ground within musket range, while there are several bays where an enemy could land in its vicinity, and a large alien population of several thousands living close to it; and it is, moreover, seven miles distant from the seat of Government where the main body of the troops in the colony would be concentrated; it would not be judicious to place batteries, mounting heavy guns, in such an isolated and exposed position, protected only by field works, whose defence would absorb a large number of men.
The Committee therefore give up the idea of occupying this point altogether as a measure of temporary defence, and recommend on this side only the construction of the batteries which ought to constitute the second line.
The following are the works which they recommend should be erected for the defence of Hong Kong:-
1. On Green Island, for two 6-ton rifled guns; one 32-pounder smooth-bore gun.
2. On west end of Stonecutters Island, two 64-ton rifled guus; two 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
3. At east end of ditto, two 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
4. At North Point, three 7-inch breech-loading rifled guns.
5. At Kowloon Dock Point, three 63-ton rifled guns.
6. On the mainland at Kowloon, three 7-inch breech-loading rifled guns.
7. Near Belcher's Bay, three 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
Total, 21 guns.
By this arrangement the guns at the station will be turned to the best account, but the Committee would advise that rifled 64-pounders or 80-pounders should be substituted with the least possible delay for the 32-pounders in Nos. 2, 3, and 7, and a 7-inch muzzle- loading rifled gun for the 32-pounder in No. 1. If the War Department can spare an additional 6-ton gun, it would be desirable that it should go out at once with the seven now under orders.
It would also be satisfactory if eventually 7-ton muzzle-loading rifled guns could be substituted for the 7-inch breach-loading rifled guns, which require great care in handling.
The works described above are for the protection of the harbour, but the attention of the Committee has been drawn to the advisability of affording some protection to the Aberdeen Docks, which contain two large basins adjoining a creek at the back of the island. The defence of these docks would necessitate the mounting of additional guns, which the Committee are not prepared to recommend at present. Unless, however, they are so protected, their use might be attended with risk during the continuance of a war. Their safety from destruction could be assured by the warning which would be given of an enemy's approach from the signal and telegraphic stations around the island, which would enable a part of the garrison to be detached to interrupt the proceedings of any working parties which might be landed with a view to their destruction.
The Island of Hong Kong, being of considerable extent, and possessing numerous landing-places, and a large alien population, must always require a considerable garrison for its defence. The protection also of the works on the Kowloon side, and of the batteries on Green and Stonecutters Islands, must require separate garrisons, especially the last-named, at the back of which are favourable bays for landing. Taking these cirsumstances into consideration, and with every desire to reduce the garrison to a minimum, the Committee are of opinion that a force of 200 artillery and 1,800 infantry is the least that will be required for defence.
The present garrison, towards the expense of which the Colony contributes 20,0001. a-year, consists of
Royal Artillery
Gun Lascars ..
Infantry
108
80
188 867
Total ..
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:
1,055
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