CO537-(33-34) — Page 665

HONG KONG.

471. Secret.

159

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. November 1889.

CONFIDENTIAL.

Report of Local Committee.

HONG KONG.

i

PUBLIC RECORD.OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O.537

Remarke by Colonial Defence Committee.

IN considering the general aspects of the defence of Hong Kong, the Royal Commission state :---

"Hong Kong is at once the chief centre of British trade in the China Sea, and the only possession of your Majesty from which that trade can be protected. We have no hesitation in saying that Hong Kong must be adequately defended and garrisoned, and no time should be lost in making it strong enough to withstand for some time, alone and unaided, the attack of an enemy. Reinforcements can only be drawn from Singapore and India, and would almost certainly be delayed by the north-east monsoon, which prevails for the greater part of the year, and which, on the other hand, would be favourable for hostile ships coming from the ports of Russia, China, or Japan." The strategic importance of Hong Kong arises from the fact that it is the only naval base from which British commerce and interests in the China Seas can be guarded, or from which hostile operations against Russia, France, China, and Japan can be carried on. The volume of trade which it is the object of the China Squadron, based on Hong Kong, to protect has much increased since the Report of the Royal Commission was issued, and its annual value may now be estimated at about 30,000,0001., of which, however, only about 4,250,0001. enters the port of Hong Kong itself, and the rest is made up of trade with China, Japan, and the Philippine Islands.

The only European Powers which need be taken into account are Russia, with a squadron based on the defended port of Vladivostock, distant 1,700 miles from Hong Kong, and France, with her naval station at Saigon, distant 940 miles. Although the naval strength of China and Japan cannot be left out of consideration, and it cannot be said on which side these Powers would range themselves, we consider that it is at present sufficient to provide against the combined forces of France and Russia.

Russia is spending a considerable rum on the defences of Vladivostock, which port, however, is practically closed by ice for about four months in the year, and shows a tendency to increase her squadron in the Pacific. France, on the other hand, maintains her squadron abroad at a minimum strength in peace time, and has withdrawn a large portion of the force employed during the recent hostilities with China. Neither Power can increase her strength in these waters by a single ship without the fact becoming immediately known,

The strength of the British navy in China waters is superior to that of France and Russia combined, and the reinforcing of the squadron of either Power would apparently set free a corresponding British force able to fully restore the balance. Moreover, it is to be remembered that the Australian Squadron is about to be very effectively reinforced, and that, taking the China and Australian Stations together, Great Britain will possess a great naval preponderance which it will be extremely difficult to disturb.

Under these circumstances, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that a determined attempt to capture Hong Kong by a naval force would be

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