Government House.
12 February 1904
I have the honor to transmit the enclosed letter from Major General V. Hamilton, commanding the Troops in South China, giving cover to the defence schemes of this Colony revised to January 1904.
(2) I concur in the remarks made in the 3rd and 4th paragraphs of Major-General Hamilton's letter. It would be possible, I think, to print the papers forming the appendix to the scheme with due precautions at the local press where the compositors do not understand the English language. I do not like, however, to take this step without your concurrence, and therefore I suggest that it be printed forthwith at home in the form of a Handbook, and that a sufficient number of copies of it be sent out to the Colony for the information of the officers concerned at the same time.
I have also to ask for your instructions as to whether a similar course should be adopted in future or whether any fresh appendix may be printed in the Colony with due regard to secrecy.
(3) I have carefully considered the question of coolies for transport and other purposes. I am of opinion that this Government may undertake to provide the coolies required at reasonably enhanced rates of pay. I believe that in the event of war...
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To the Right Honourable
Alfred Lyttelton
K.C.M.G., M.P.