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by the troops and rights of property interfered with in many ways. Such measures would certainly be resented by the inhabitants, and although they would be essential for the safety of the place, the G.O.C. could not compel the Governor to carry them out. Under these circumstances, it is submitted that the G.O.C. cannot be held responsible for the proper conduct of the defence because he would have no authority to carry out the requisite measures.
6
The supremacy of Great Britain in the Chinese seas depends on Hong Kong, and with its loss, British influence would cease in the Western Pacific. It cannot be denied that great changes have taken place in the last 20 years in the relative positions of the different Powers. The British fleet was supreme, and there was no necessity for the fortification of Hong Kong, but fleets of Russia and France...