CO537-(33-34) — Page 464

PUBLIC RECORD.OFFICE

Reference :--

TPEREC.O.537

mini

34

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

Z

combination of foreign powers, has so long been fully recognised that it seems superfluons to offer. any observations in this direction with a view of still further impressing

on the Somment and public their serious responsibilities in the matter.

Considering tingking is- our base for Naval operations Northward, Eastward, and to the South, and that it is here our ships are dockeá

refitted and supplied with all they require - what would be our position if it fill wits the

memy's

ста

hands

with its Arsenal, Naval Gard,

mormons Coal Stores and

wast amount of property public and private

Our Commerce and Naval supremacy in the Shina

Nava

seas would be smiply annihilated

duria

14

3

durning the war, perhaps never to recover even if the place given

мин

no back again afterwards, bearing in mind the heavy blow dealt at British prestige and power, which count for so much

dealings with Shrine. Of course safely can be

in m

easily insured by remaining

it

The

рель defensive, but

is pressimed nothing so sincidal is contemplated and stral the fortifications

are to be sufficiently

The

string to entirely liberate the fleet for its proper funvictions in protecting English commerce in high seas the "floating defences" mentioned in the Precis of Existing and Proposed Defences July 1886, (circulated by the Admiralty) bring alungo retained at Hingking* to assist in

the

*.N.B._ In folonel proseman's Report 1881, he states that these vessels are not specially detached for defence of Amytiny.