I transmit herewith an article from "The China Mail" and "The Hongkong Daily Press", the leading journals of this Colony which fairly represents the feeling of the Community on this important subject.
I am thankful that the Staff Officer has finally decided on some one of the several plans of fortifications proposed for this virtually defenceless Gibraltar of the East, and that the annual military contribution of twenty thousand pounds paid by the Colony will henceforth be applied to the carrying out of that plan, which will be received here with great satisfaction.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's Obedient Humble Servant
E. J. E. Bowen