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of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong, expressing his opinion that the better defence of the Colony would be by floating batteries rather than by the forts now being erected.
I am, &c. (Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
Appendix No. 4.
HONG KONG.
Inclosure in No. 93.
Governor Sir J. P. Hennessy to the Earl of Kimberley.
(Confidential.) (Extract.)
He
Hong Kong, May 13, 1881. I HAVE never disguised from the General my views respecting the defence of Hong Kong. knows that I entertain grave doubts as to the feasibility of defending the Colony with the forts that are being made; that I think some of them would be a source of danger in time of war; that the number already constructed is out of all proportion to our very small garrison; and that the best defence of the Colony would be by floating batteries like Her Majesty's ship "Wivern," torpedoes, torpedo launches, and the substitution of marines with a local auxiliary corps for the European regiment. But whilst entertaining those views, I have done all in my power to assist the military authorities in constructing any works authorized by the War Office, and I need hardly say I shall continue to do so.
(Extract.)
No. 94.
Vice-Admiral Willes to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
CC
Vigilant," at Shanghae, May 2, 1881.
THE defence of Hong Kong is a much more serious matter, and, in my opinion, cannot be effected without an amount of troops and fixed forts involving a cost not likely to be sanctioned; the two valuable docks, therefore, at Aberdeen must be left to the protection of any naval force which might be at hand at the moment, whilst the Reservoir near Sandy Bay would, no doubt, be protected by a military force detached for that purpose.
The Harbour of Victoria, or Hong Kong Road, which is teeming with contraband of war, i.., coal stores, steamers, docks, and building slips, must, like the harbour at Singapore, be defended at all hazards.
I visited the sites of the proposed forts in company with the Major-General Commanding the Forces and the Officer Commanding Royal Engineers, and after maturely considering the subject, I am of opinion that there is nothing to prevent an enterprising Commander from entering the harbour from the west, between Stonecutter's and Green Islands, and destroying an incalculable amount of property.
I therefore strongly urge that, in addition to the present proposed forts, another should be built on Kellet's Bank, in 34 fathoms at low water spring tides, armed with 9-inch and Nordenfelt guns. Then, with lines of torpedoes from this fort to Green and Stonecutter's Islands, with another line of torpedoes in the Sulphur Channel, Hong Kong Road would be properly defended at either end.
The accompanying sketch* shows the present proposed defence, as well as the fort proposed by me.
I am unable to estimate the probable cost of the proposed work, as much will depend on the depth of the mud on Kellet's Bank; but, considering the cheapness of labour, the proximity of the necessary stone, the large amount of fine weather-probably 300 days out of 365—I think 80,000%. to 100,000l. would be an outside amount.
The isolation of the artillery necessary for working the guns on the proposed fort on Kellet's Bank will no doubt be considered an objection; but it may be assumed that they could be commu- nicated with during some part of the twenty-four hours in 330 days out of the year.
I am of opinion that no guns for the defence of Hong Kong Road should be mounted of a less
size than 9-in. 12-tons.
In conclusion, I may observe that I have not taken into consideration any assistance which the navy might be able to give the Colony, as Imperial interests might necessitate our squadron being called to other localities; but I believe it has already been determined to supply necessary torpedo boats to aid in its defence.
No. 95.
Sir,
Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.
Downing Street, August 3, 1881.
I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for the information of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong with reference to the defence of the Colony, inclosing copies of the
* Not printed.
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