718
dled with Secret Societies, the ramifications of which
I do not believe any foreigner has mastered, but which
exercise great power over their members: and again,
these Societies may be set in motion by external influen-
ces antagonistic to British interests. These remarks
would not apply to Singapore or Ceylon or Mauritius, but
here, in a garrison on the very borders of China, it be-
hoves us to be very careful that every unit of the defen-
sive force can be depended upon unreservedly.
5. I am therefore of opinion that the Chinese Regi-
ment cannot be employed as part of the garrison of Hong
Kong without importing a possible element of danger that
had better be avoided. I have confidentially consulted
Colonel Brown, R. E., at present Commanding the Troops,
whose views on the subject agree with mine.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
your most obedient
humble servant,
Stung Robinson
Governor.