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From this latter despatch the Committee will observe that the statement made in the previous letter, to the effect that a small force of volunteers exists at the present time in Hong Kong, was not correct.
I am to state that the Lieutenant-Governor of Ceylon, Mr. Birch, is now in England, and can wait upon the Committee if they desire it.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT G. W. HERBERT.
No. 28.
My dear Jekyll,
Colonial Office to Mr. Jekyll, R.E.
Downing Street, April 3, 1878.
HOW long do you suppose the Singapore works will take to make which are to cost about 20,000?
2. Will the money be thrown away, or will the works come in useful for Jervois' scheme.
3. If your scheme is carried out, will Jervois' ever be undertaken.
4. How long will your works last?
5. Can convict labour be used extensively in their construction ?
Yours sincerely,
Answers.
(Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
1. Depends upon the amount of labour which can be brought to bear, but probably he works will take three or four months to complete, though it might be possible to mount the guns much earlier, perhaps, in as many weeks, or even less.
2. I cannot answer this off hand, but think it probable that the works could be so laid out as to be capable of conversion into batteries of a more permanent kind, so that part at least of the expense would not be thrown away.
3. The scheme now recommended provides only for defence against such a limited attack as may be apprehended under existing circumstances (by which I mean a conflict with Russia). Jervois' scheme is designed to make the place secure against any attack likely to be within the means of two or more of the Maritime Powers combined. Nothing less than this can be regarded as permanently satisfactory.
4. Probably three or four years in good condition, after which extensive repairs would become necessary.
5. Certainly, with a due proportion of skilled labour and superintendence.
I should like to answer your questions with greater precision and certainty, and will endeavour to do so to-morrow afternoon at the Colonial Office.
No. 29.
Yours very truly, (Signed)
H. JEKYLL.
Colonial Office to Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G.
(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,
Downing Street, April 3, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to inform you that a Departmental Committee, consisting of Admiral Sir A. Milne, G.C.B., General Sir Lintorn Simmons, K.C.B., and Sir Henry Barkly, G.C.M.G., is now considering what immediate steps may be practicable for the defence of Her Majesty's Colonial ports should war at any time unhappily break out, and that they would be glad if you could conveniently call on them and give them the benefit of your local information as regards New Zealand.
2. I am to add that Her Majesty's Government will correspond direct with the Colony on the subject, and that your attendance before the Committee will not compromise your Government in regard to any report or recommendations that the Committee may make.
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