English trade and general interests are of such great value, that they should not remain inferior in ironclad strength to the French and Russian Squadrons. It is to be hoped, moreover, as I have already remarked in a previous despatch, that "16th May 18, England will at last decide on carrying into early execution some of the plans that have been under consideration of late years for the defence of Hongkong. It is notorious that the existing fortifications could not long resist an attack from a strong Naval and Military Force, provided with the powerful artillery of the present day. And it will be recollected, (as I have already observed in my despatch of May 10, elsewhere), that Vladivostock, the chief Port, Arsenal, and Naval and Military station of Russia in the Pacific, is only seven or eight days steaming from Hongkong.
3. Admiral Meyer and his principal officers paid their respects to me at the Government House immediately on their arrival in this harbour; and the Admiral is about to stay for a short visit at the "Mountain...
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CO 129/1883
GOR/10812 491
CO: 2.