(2) to the fact that it has long been regarded as the Headquarters of the China Squadron. Suppose that we do lose Hong Kong. It will fall into the hands of one of the following:
I. France
II. Russia
III. France and Russia.
IV. China.
V. Japan.
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Of Hong-Kong. Is France likely to undertake an operation in which she may fail, in which she would indeed probably fail, and which would absorb all her energies in that quarter of the world and leave her ships to do pretty much as they please? So far from fearing the loss of Hong-Kong,
2
6 France
even the writer of the letter under notice admits that the cessation of our supremacy in the Western Pacific would, in effect, be a threat to that country.
How to us, it would prevent France from doing anything.
If it falls to France, we must either abandon Saigon,
or be reminded of the duty of defending both that place and Hong-Kong in her hands. Doing so threatens Singapore. It does not look as though she could be in the position to do so!
If Hong Kong falls to Russia, we will be unable to do much! It seems that we, with our superior Squadron, are not immune to the relentless reasoning applied, but with particular...