CO537-187 — Page 7

PUBLIC RECORD.OFFICE

Reference :-

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

Repnt

on the temporary defences of the Cape

of Good Hope,

The Committee however are of opinion

that in the first instance it would be advisable

if

the Secretary of state for War, and H. R. H

the Field Marshal Commanding on Chief Concurred

in requesting

私

Excellency

the Governor of

Hong Kong to call upon the General Officer

Commanding in conjunction

with some civil

officer of the Government, well acquainted with

and the habits of the Chinese, to

the Colony

report in detail on

the manner in which they

would propose to carry

into Effect

the suppestern of the Committee in their report above referred to, as to the increase of the Gun Lascars, and as

to raising a battalion to supplement the Curopean_ Garrison usually maintained at Hong Kong during peace.

I would be advisable that this report should.

:

4.

enter fully into the question whether officers

could be found locally for this force

as

it

the probable cost of raising and

/

as

well

maintaining

The Committer would seeggest for consideration

Whether by a moderate payment, this force might not be raised and trained somewhat

as a

Militia

or reserve, only to be called into may requis годить permanent sewire when occasion

If found successful and not too costly, the more extended proposal of this Excellency might be entertanced with a view to succensing the garrison pleylon ; but for the present, there being

no mimmediate prospect of loas,

Committer are of opinion that it would in prudent to limit the action to the extent

the

required for placing the defences of Hong Kong

better footing

on a

I have the honour to b. Si

Your

obedient vérvant.

Hay Barkl

acting President.