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5. There may be some objection to confining offenders convicted only of offences against discipline in the same plane as worse criminals; but this objection has been put up with for a long time at Hongkong and always at Singapore as at other places.
6. I submit that it is not desirable to fit up a hulk as an "overflow" prison at Hongkong: and it would be equally undesirable to fit up one as the only prison. I also submit that it would be taking a heavy responsibility to confine prisoners in an old hulk which could not possibly be as safe as a new vessel, in a harbour subject to typhoons like Hongkong.
7. The solution of the question is, it is submitted, to arrange with the Colonial Government for an enlargement of the existing prison so as to accommodate, say, 60 naval prisoners, or 35 more than have been already confined in it. No new local legislation is necessary, the prison authorities being empowered already to receive naval prisoners up to the limits of the available accommodation.
8. The present time is specially favourable for approaching the Colonial Government on the subject. I understand from the Governor that the government is prepared to entertain a proposal of the kind. His intention is to build a new prison: and it appears ready to increase the accommodation if the Admiralty will consent to contribute proportionately to the cost.
9. There would be a considerable saving of money if the Naval prison at Hongkong were abolished. For other reasons the abolition is highly desirable.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Cyprian A.G. Bridge
Vice-Admiral.