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and children (European) the late Governor rather objects to General Gascoigne's proposal of ships on the score of expense. I adhere to General Gascoigne's proposal, and further suggest the removal of the women and children to the shelter of a friendly power - Portugal at Macao, I would move them under the Red Cross Flag. They might be met and turned back, but the Colony would in that case be no worse off than before.
8.
The dynamite magazine is still on Stone-cutters Island, a source of great danger. It is likely to remain there for a long time yet (two years) though provision has been made for its removal.
9.
The food supply for the Garrison, which is not in my opinion sufficient, is (in reply to a telegram from me) to be at once raised to three months.
The existence of Torpedo Boat Destroyers now fairly numerous in these waters seems to be ignored; it should be acknowledged in the premises of the scheme and counteracted by an increase of Q.F armament, ammunition, and lights.
10.
I consider the question of deporting the citizens of a foreign power in case of war with that power should be faced and provided for. I instance the case of a large German Colony here and suggest that the feelings of affection for one's "original" country might overbalance the gratitude due to a country of adoption.
As to the Chinese, who are very numerous, I am strongly of the opinion that their numbers should, if necessary, by force, be reduced to nothing but coolies or other useful members. The late Governor states that the bulk would bolt, but a clever enemy might try to prevent them bolting in order to be a weight on the defenders, and a weight they would be if, for instance
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