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Any further communication on this subject should be addressed to--
The Under Secretary of State, War Office, London, S.W.,
And the following number quoted. Hong Kong 5/4954, C.O. 17604 RECO War Off 20 UC 36! London, S.W. 19 August, 1896.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of 20th Ultimo, 14754/96, enclosing a copy of a despatch, with enclosures, from the Governor of Hong Kong respecting the provision of booms to prevent the spread of burning oil from tank ships; I am directed by Lord Lansdowne to forward for Mr Secretary Chamberlain's information a copy of a further memorandum on the subject which has been obtained from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Explosives.
2. Lord Lansdowne agrees with the opinions expressed that booms cannot be dispensed with unless a dock is constructed, and that a boom formed upon the design submitted would answer the purpose intended; the proposed metal sheathing might even be reduced as suggested by Sir V. Majendie.
I am to return the original letter from Messrs Leigh and Orange and their tracing.
The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office,
I am, sir, Your obedient Servant,
G. Lawson