14
provided for within a limited period, and with the means which may possibly be available within that time.
The proper defence of the Lymoon Pass requires the construction of two batteries at least on the point overlooking it, which should bring a fire on ships approaching and passing through the narrows. But as this channel is free from obstruction, and a strong current flows through it, dependence could not be placed on these batteries alone; but a second line of defence would be needed. For this purpose, North Point and Kowloon Dock Point should be occupied with guns, to prevent any ship that may have succeeded in running the narrows from bombarding the town, establishments, and shipping in the harbour.
As, however, the point in question (Lymoon Pass) is commanded by high ground within musket range, while there are several bays where an enemy could land in its vicinity, and a large alien population of several thousands living close to it; and it is, moreover, seven miles distant from the seat of Government where the main body of the troops in the colony would be concentrated; it would not be judicious to place batteries, mounting heavy guns, in such an isolated and exposed position, protected only by field works, whose defence would absorb a large number of men.
The Committee therefore give up the idea of occupying this point altogether as a measure of temporary defence, and recommend on this side only the construction of the batteries which ought to constitute the second line.
The following are the works which they recommend should be erected for the defence of Hong Kong:-
1. On Green Island, for two 6-ton rifled guns; one 32-pounder smooth-bore gun.
2. On west end of Stonecutters Island, two 6-ton rifled guns; two 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
3. At east end of ditto, two 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
4. At North Point, three 7-inch breech-loading rifled gun.
5. At Kowloon Dock Point, three 64-ton rifled guns.
6. On the mainland at Kowloon, three 7-inch breech-loading rifled guns.
7. Near Belcher's Bay, three 32-pounder smooth-bore guns.
Total, 21 guna.
By this arrangement the guns at the station will be turned to the best account, but the Committee would advise that rifled 6-4-pounders or 80-pounders should be substituted with the least possible delay for the 32-pounders in Nos. 2, 3, and 7, and a 7-inch muzzle- loading rifled gun for the 32-pounder in No. 1. If the War Department can spare an additional 6-ton gun, it would be desirable that it should go out at once with the seven now under orders.
It would also be satisfactory if eventually 7-ton muzzle-loading rifled guns could be substituted for the 7-inch breach-loading rifled guns, which require great care in handling.
The works described above are for the protection of the harbour, but the attention of the Committee has been drawn to the advisability of affording some protection to the Aberdeen Docks, which contain two large basins adjoining a creek at the back of the island. The defence of these docks would necessitate the mounting of additional guns, which the Committee are not prepared to recommend at present. Unless, however, they are so protected, their use might be attended with risk during the continuance of a war. Their safety from destruction could be assured by the warning which would be given of an enemy's approach from the signal and telegraphic stations around the island, which would enable a part of the garrison to be detached to interrupt the proceedings of any working parties which might be landed with a view to their destruction.
The Island of Hong Kong, being of considerable extent, and possessing numerous landing-places, and a large alien population, must always require a considerable garrison for its defence. The protection also of the works on the Kowloon side, and of the batteries on Green and Stonecutters Islands, must require separate garrisons, especially the last-named, at the back of which are favourable bays for landing. Taking these cirsumstances into consideration, and with every desire to reduce the garrison to a minimum, the Committee are of opinion that a force of 200 artillery and 1,800 infantry in the least that will be required for defence.
The present garrison, towards the expense of which the Colony contributes 20,000/. a-year, consists of
15
The Committe are informed that the police force in the Colony numbers 650 men, of whom 110re Europeans, 176 Indians, and 340 Chinese. The organization of this force would seem to point to the possibility of supplementing the European garrison by increasing the gun Lascars to such number as may be found adequate to assist the Royal Artillery in working the guns, and of raising a battalion of Chinese, who have proved themselves fair soldiers when properly commanded, and who, the Committee have been informed by Colonel Moggridge, lately Commanding Royal Engineer in Hong Kong, would, in his opinion, willingly take service, and would be reliable.
The Committee venture to offer this suggestion in consequence of the strongly expressed opinion of His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-chief, as to the necessity of not increasing the garrisons of stations abroad by the addition of British troops. The experiment is one which would require careful management locally; but in the proportions suggested, if the native detachments were mixed up for duty with European detachments, it is possible that the Colony would not incur risk. The Com- mittee also learn from the Governor's despatch No. 20 of the 18th February, 1878, that assistance might be expected from the Portuguese inhabitants to the extent of three companies.
Even with the increased garrison recommended, it will be necessary to maintain a careful watch round the island, that timely warning may be given of the approach of ag enemy's squadron, and it might be advisable to throw up field works for the protection of the various passes between Quarry Bay on the east, and Mount Davis on the west, by which an enemy who had effected a landing in any of the uumerous bays might move to the attack of the batteries or town. Considering also the great extent of the harbour, and the great interests involved in its security, the Committee recommend that two gun-boats, each mounting an 18-ton gun, should be maintained at the station, also that a small supply of submarine mines should be sent to be laid between Green and Stonecutters Islands, and between the latter and the mainland.
The Committee do not recommend that the great expense and labour of completely barring these two channels by submarine mines should be incurred, but they conceive that the fact of mines being sent to the station, and some of them being placed in position, supplemented with a liberal use of dummies, and a probibition of the use of any but the Sulphur Channel, a moral effect would be produced which would contribute much to the security of the station, especially against attack by ships of a Power which has no port of refit within 1,600 miles.
The estimated cost of the proposed works is as follows:-
Eight 6-ton rifled guns..
Seven 64-pounder rifled guns
Batteries, magazines, &c.
Two gun-boats.. Submarine mines
Total
:::::
£
8,000
4,200
30,000
26,000
7,000
75,200
The Committee having stated the force necessary for occupying the proposed works at Mauritius, Ceylon, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have to suggest for consideration whether, with a view to reducing the demand for European troops, native regiments might not on emergency be sent from India to those stations.
(Signed)
ALEX. MILNE. IIENRY BARKLY. J. L. A. SIMMONS.
Royal Artillery
•
Gun Lascars ..
Infantry
Total..
::
::::
::::
108
80
188
867
1,055
[520]
F
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O. 885
4 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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