The Commander-in-Chief on this station informs me that he concurs with my proposal respecting the formation at Hongkong of a local Naval Defence Force, and that he will address the Lords of the Admiralty to that effect.
It will be remembered that this scheme was taken up by me at the instigation of the Imperial Government; and that, in my despatch 10:218 of 1883,1) I pointed out that the armament required for the proposed Colonial Flotilla, to be auxiliary to Her Majesty's Forces, must be provided by the Imperial Authorities, for the Colony can do no more than furnish at its own expense the steam-launches, and Crews.
Awaiting further instructions on this subject before taking any further action respecting it,
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant,
TO. S. Bowen
1)See Circular of April 18, 1883,