As the C.D.C. should first be consulted on the value of the safe in the defence of the Colony, and that the W.O. with all speed look at the application if it is satisfied that the Colony is unable to pay for the service, and that the service is one of sufficient Imperial importance to justify its becoming a charge against Army Estimates.
This matter may therefore wait until we know whether the C.D.C. recommend rearming the field batteries, and, if so, with what gun (a question left open, I think). Then it should be considered whether the Colony should approach the W.O. for Imperial assistance, or whether we should doubt the Maxim reconstruction question.
Then the matter has been referred to C.D.C., and the C.O. have been asked to get an estimate of the cost (A.F.25/2?). Wait as proposed.
Su 1. Wingfield.
June, 25th
The memo attached to 17042 proposes a temporary arrangement to loan certain guns in exchange for the pounders referred to. The questions raised in the above minute need not therefore be discussed.
I think it is desirable to send out Despatch No. 17042 as soon as possible.
No. 1149.
Sir,
C.O. 10618
RECD 18 JUL 20
Government House,
Hong-Kong, 6th June, 1899.
With reference to my Despatch No.128 of the 31st May, I have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter from the Acting Commandant of the Hong-Kong Volunteer Corps, and, in accordance with the suggestion therein made, to request that the Imperial Government may be approached with a view to presenting this Colony with the new guns required for the field batteries of the Corps. You will observe from Colonel Mainwaring's letter that the original guns now in use were presented by the Imperial Government.
I desire to add that in the opinion of His Excellency the General Officer Commanding, the Hong-Kong Volunteers will be an appreciable addition to the strength of the garrison, and that it is highly important that they should be well armed and equipped.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
GOVERNOR, &c.
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