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a Commission to consider and report concerning the formation of a local Naval Defense Force at Hongkong, which might be auxiliary to the Royal Navy.
2.
I have the honour to transmit, and to recommend to favourable consideration, the Report of this Commission, with which I concur. If Your Lordship also approves the plan proposed, I will take forthwith measures for carrying it into practical execution. Of course, the scheme must fall to the ground unless the Admiralty agrees to land, under the usual conditions, the armament required for the Colonial Flotilla in aid of Her Majesty's ships, viz:
(1) 2-7 pdr. boat guns. (2) 6 Nordenfeldt Machine guns, (3) 50 Rifles and Bayonets; all of the same pattern as that in use in the Royal Navy.
It will be seen that the steam-launches, officers, crews, and everything else, except the above armament, are provided for.