Although it is not anticipated that the Naval Office would consent to the Committee being granted plenary powers, yet I feel confident that it would in all probability agree to any recommendations which may be made by it.
I would therefore suggest, for Your Excellency's consideration, that the Committee be formed as follows: His Excellency the Governor, the Naval Officer Commanding, the Commanding Royal Engineer, the Honourable the Surveyor General, and the Secretary.
With a small sub-committee, the Commanding Royal Engineer and the Surveyor General would work out the details and submit them from time to time for the consideration of the Committee.
I would further suggest that, should Your Excellency agree to these proposals, an early meeting of the Committee should be held for general discussion of the whole subject.
I have …
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(Signed) J Bevan Edwards,
Major General Commanding in China.