carefully consider schemes of defence which could be put in operation immediately. It appears, however, to me that the possession of accurate knowledge as to the details of defences confers an unquestionable advantage upon the attack. Much information can doubtless be acquired, as you pointed out, "by observation from neighbouring ground on public thoroughfares, boats in the vicinity." But much more information of a more detailed nature is evidently desired by the personal inspection of Experts, which has occurred frequently owing to the lack of simple measures of precaution. The argument that, because certain evils cannot be prevented, greater evils should be voluntarily accepted does not commend itself to me.
I desire to draw your Attention to the fact that the Revue Militaire de l'Étranger of the 30th March contains a detailed account of the defences of Hongkong which bears the appearance of "being the result of careful study on the spot," so much so that it seems to have had the facilities pointed out by Admiral Hamilton. The writer of the article in question proceeds to quote an opinion stated to have been expressed on the offensive capability of the new " forts " on the Island.
Under these circumstances, I learn with grave concern that the defences to which Admiral Hamilton draws attention are extremely defective. I desire to assure myself that you will promptly & properly take the steps necessary to ensure that a recurrence of such a state of affairs will not happen again.
I desire to point out in conclusion that heavy responsibility mainly rests upon the authorities on the spot, upon whom resident duty it is to safeguard the Imperial interests, to foresee risks of such an obvious nature, and to take such action as may be necessary without waiting for instructions from this office.
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It appears the original text was split into pages with "Page 363" appearing at both the top and bottom. I've kept the page numbering as per the original instructions. Here is the revised response in HTML format as requested:carefully consider schemes of defence which could be put in operation immediately. It appears, however, to me that the possession of accurate knowledge as to the details of defences confers an unquestionable advantage upon the attack. Much information can doubtless be acquired, as you pointed out, "by observation from neighbouring ground on public thoroughfares, boats in the vicinity." But much more information of a more detailed nature is evidently desired by the personal inspection of Experts, which has occurred frequently owing to the lack of simple measures of precaution. The argument that, because certain evils cannot be prevented, greater evils should be voluntarily accepted does not commend itself to me.
I desire to draw your Attention to the fact that the Revue Militaire de l'Étranger of the 30th March contains a detailed account of the defences of Hongkong which bears the appearance of "being the result of careful study on the spot," so much so that it seems to have had the facilities pointed out by Admiral Hamilton. The writer of the article in question proceeds to quote an opinion stated to have been expressed on the offensive capability of the new "forts" on the Island.
Under these circumstances, I learn with grave concern that the defences to which Admiral Hamilton draws attention are extremely defective. I desire to assure myself that you will promptly & properly take the steps necessary to ensure that a recurrence of such a state of affairs will not happen again.
I desire to point out in conclusion that heavy responsibility mainly rests upon the authorities on the spot, upon whom resident duty it is to safeguard the Imperial interests, to foresee risks of such an obvious nature, and to take such action as may be necessary without waiting for instructions from this office.
Page 363
Page 363