The weakness is intensified by the fact that the G.O.C. could not be held responsible for the safety of the fortress. It is a state of affairs that the Government cannot ignore, as it is full of danger to the Empire. This can only be remedied by the appointment of a Military Governor and placing Hong Kong on the same footing as Malta, Gibraltar, and Bermuda.
Such a step has now become possible due to the recent separation of the Straits Settlements from the Hong Kong Command. It would be most favourably received by the inhabitants of the Colony, and it would not only be attended with considerable economy in the saving of the pay and allowances of a Major General.