2nd. That in the immediate vicinity of the city of Sham Chun there is an almost ideal camping ground for troops offering not only most excellent ground for manoeuvres, but affording also a perfect range both for musketry and for Artillery practice. As you are aware, this matter of finding suitable ranges has been hitherto almost impossible of solution.
3rd. This camping ground is so good in all ways, both in the matter of water, and of generally healthy situation, that it would be invaluable to the troops as a health resort, to send small parties in succession to practice musketry and field training, and at the same time renew health and vigor, and in case of any epidemic of sickness the troops affected could be sent there for recovery.
I have ventured to point out these matters with a view to shaking or altering the decision arrived at by Her Majesty's Government; but simply to point out the advantages of retention of this frontier should circumstances arise to make a reconsideration of the decision desirable.
I have,
&c. &c.
(Sd.) W.J.Gascoigne, Major General Commanding in China & Hong Kong.