CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6] — Page 552

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- 30 JUL 03

Minute by Officer Commanding Royal Artillery

545

The Chief Staff officer.

With reference to the attached correspondence I have

the honour to state as follows:

1.

I entirely concur with the proposals put forward by the Commandant Heng Keng Volunteer Cerps in the accompanying letter and think that they best meet the requirements of the case. They meet the views of the late officer Commanding Royal Artillery, Celonel Johnson, in paragraphie 1-7 of his letter (NO3) with which I also agree, particularly paragraph 3 as to the suitability of the Volunteers fer manning the artillery, fixed or mevable, of the fortress.

2.

These proposals also agree with the view expressed in

the end of paragraph 8 of confidential letter No 311 R of

the Colonial Defence Committee. I understand that all members

of the Corps receive a musketry training, and will therefore

be available for employment in quelling local disturbances.

I am of opinion therefore that the main objects mentioned in paragraph of letter 3

er 311 R will be complied with.

3.

The system proposed is an elastic one. The actual

allotment en mobilization will depand on the needs of the

armament and would be

(a) rørte as Garrison Artillery

(b) Mevable Arrament

(c) Machine guns

(d) Any sort of infantry work (B.g. cyclists)

if required.

4.