possessing it, cadvantages in the China
Sea, which
no other power cans ob- tain and I look upon adequate I provision for its defence
Imperial question of the very first importance. I am therefore of opin
as a^A
ion that it should be made im- pregnable and, at all times, be garrisoned by a strong fonce, which in the sount of
bring apprehend-
wat
ed, could be reinforced by troops from India (Sikhs preferably) who could be landed here from in twelve to fourteen days.
J
The
Calcutta
only auxiliary force would recommend is the existing volunkers. This force should be en-
to the utmost and its
couraged
members saved from all personal Expense in necessary outlay for perfect efficiency.
I consider it would be a
blunder, little short of a crime, to raise in this little island, so
Keat
to
341
near to the mainland of China, a force composed of bhiness, who, from the pe- culiarities of their family and social life, are so amenable to influences, which might be exerted adversely
authority, and which we are quits powerless to control, and to trust to it for assistance in the mit- itary defence of the bolony, which, in the event of war, would be a forti- fied naval station, and the only protected British coaling station, north of Singapore. The defierce of such an all- important position should not be entrusted to auxiliaries, but should
au arsenal
be provided for by regular troops, and the normal strength of the garrison, could, wher necessary, always ceive trained and efficient inforcements from Indiae, at a
M-
ле-
more economical cost than the main-
tenance of a pumanent auxiliary
force
would entail.
buch bring my
vien
ou
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