decidedly superior to
the combined forces
of
France
and Russia,
and it could be more
rapidly reinforced
Than
of necessary vers. these powers This remark
moreover,
that
generally
of either of
holds good, of the forces in the
Pacific generally.
It
must be remembered also that
as
or point of strategic importance, in regard
to the Empire
as a
whole, Hong Kong ranks considerably
below
(
his lordship considers
Mat
430
below Singapore. In
these circumstances it
would not appear, that when the
defences and garrison
of Hong Kong have been completed to the strength already
authorized, no further
Measures
are at present
required, and General ... Edwards brings forward
no valid
reasons
for
any reopening of the
question.
Lord