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he would occupy in the case of an attack. During the most cool season this will form part of the special instruction of the troops, so that each section, by constantly "going to quarters," may be preparing for war.
3. I would also draw your Excellency's attention to the quantity of work which is left to be done when war is imminent, and which should be carried out in time of peace; I allude more especially to the construction of the redoubt on Tywan Hill, without which the Lyemun defences could not be held for an hour; also to the redoubts on the hill above North Point, on the hill commanding Belcher's Point, and to two or three others for the defence of the hills to the south of Victoria. Most of these hill-tops are very rocky and rough, and much time and labour is required to make small redoubts upon them. Wars now occur so suddenly, and an attack might be delivered at such short notice, and so little time would be avail- able to make these important works, that I consider they ought to be constructed in time of peace.
4. Your Excellency will also see that, on account of the smallness of the garrison, no attempt can be made to defend the south shore of the island, so that, in the absence of the fleet, the enemy would be at liberty to land, and establish himself in force, and turn the defences of the entrances to the harbour. The southern defence might be greatly facilitated by the provision of three or four guns of moderate power, to be mounted in small works, on commanding positions, so as to see into the bays and harbours, and fire upon transports and boats attempting to land troops. A certain number of field and machine guns are also required. The 200-lb. and 150-lb. 7-pounder mountain guns, now set apart for this, are of little use, on account of their want of power and shortness of range, and I recommend that they be supplemented by some of the rifled guns now being given up by the Field "Artillery, such as the 6-cwt. 9-pounder L.S. I know of no place, where machine-guns could be more effectually used, and I do not hesitate to say that the provision of a proper com- plement would almost double the power of the defence, or, in other words, enable 600 men to do the work of 1,000.
5. After mature consideration, I am of opinion that the smallest garrison which would meet the present requirements is three battalions→→ two English and one Indian-and the requisite number of technical troops to man the guns and lay and protect the mines. As the power of Russia increases in the north by the connection of Vladivostok and Russia by railway (which will probably be accomplished in a few years), even this garrison would not be sufficient, and the fortifications to the entrance of the harbour would have to be greatly strengthened. In considering this subject, both the rapidly increasing naval and military power of China and of the Chinese population of Hong Kong must not be lost sight of.
6. I would most strongly urge upon your Excellency the speedy despatch from England of the five 10-inch and two 9-2-inch B.L. guns, which are so much required for the completion of the armament of the works of the western entrance, and without which they would be powerless to repel a determined attack.
I have, &c. (Signed)
J. BEVAN EDWARDS, Major-General,
Commanding the Forces in China.
His Excellency Sir G. William Des Voeux, K.C.M.G.,
Governor of Hong Kong.
PUBLIC RECORD.OFFICE
Reference :-
FFCO.537
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