-2-
19
in permanent readiness, with civilian crews, as the boom
defences are to be at seven days' notice for laying, and
the use of one of them for training purposes, at times
when she is not required for her ordinary duties, would
not involve any additional charges to Navy Votes on account
of payments to the crews.
4.
The only structural alteration required to
a boom vessel to make her suitable for training purposes
would be the fitting of two sockets, the cost of which
would be very small. There is, however, liability for
loss or damage to or by the vessel while at sea on
training exercises, and any depreciation of the vessel,
and it is considered that these might remain Admiralty
liabilities.
5. The cost of fuel and stores, and generally
any additional direct expenditure involved in the use of the
vessel for training, including all liability towards the
personnel of the Naval Volunteer Force or their dependents
in the event of death or injury, would of course be the
liability of the Hong Kong Government.
6.
In view of the very considerable importance
attached to the efficiency of the Hong Kong Naval
Volunteer Force, I am to request that the Lords Commissioners
of H.M.Treasury will sanction an agreement being made with
the Hong Kong Government for a boom vessel to be used for
the training of the Naval Volunteer Force, when not
required for naval purposes, under the conditions set forth
above.
7. A copy of this letter has been sent to the
Colonial office.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Sa.) S. H. PHILUS