CO537-(33-34) — Page 637

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 7, 1890.

CONFIDENTIAL.

HONG KONG.

543. Secret.

;

Amended Report of Local Committee,

HONG KONG.

Addenda to Report of Local Committee, Hong Kong, with covering Letter of the

471, Secret'

General Officer Commanding.

1. Table of Distribution of Forces.

2. Scheme for the Provision of Transport.

8. Works to be erected in the different Sections.

4. Demolitions.

5. Time required to lay out Mines.

6. Reports and Sketches of Roads and Landing-places (not printed).

Sir,

WITH reference to the letter dated the 11th January, 1890, from his Excellency Sir G. W. Des Voeux, K.C.M.G., forwarding copy of remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee on the Report of the Local Defence Com- mittee, I have the honour to forward the supplementary information required, viz. :-

1. Amended Table of distribution of the troope in the different sections. 2. Scheme for the provision of transport.

3. Sketches (nine) with Reports (eleven) on the roads and landing-places on the southern side of the island. If these are added to the Report, they might form part of Appendix II.

4. List of works (other than bresatworks or communications to be thrown up in the different sections. Estimates for the labour, tools, and materials required for each work have been prepared and are kept in the Commanding Royal Engineer's office.

5. Demolitions.

6. Time required to lay submarine mines.

The reinforcing of the Southern Section is now provided for by increasing the infantry reserve in Victoria. The men belonging to Stonecutters', who are held in reserve, will join their section whenever it is threatened with attack. This they can do in thirty minutes.

On account of the distance and exposed position of the Lyemun Section, it is not thought advisable to keep more than 100 of the infantry detailed for its defence in reserve in Victoria. "Seventy-five of the infantry told off for the North Point Section have been removed to the Lyemun Section, as it is considered that they are more wanted at the latter.

Since the Report was drawn up the strength of the infantry has been reduced by 180 bayonets, by the withdrawal of the detachment of the Northamptonshire Regiment.

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