63
a manner as possible in order that the fact might become known. This he at once proceeded to do, and warned the foreign banks also. Mr Stabb informed me that it was estimated by some that as much as Txiska Taels 150,000,000 (£20,000,000) of apecie and treasure was accumulated in the Shameen He himself thought this a considerable exaggeration, but a great quantity of jewels and valuables had been stored by Chinese in charge of the banks and their value was unknow.
6.
The General discussed the matter with me;
as "General Officer Commanding, South China" he had made it his business to study the question of the defence of the Shameen, and he had prepared a carefully thought out scheme. The defence presents very great difficulties owing to the fact that the island is circular, and no enfilading fire is therefore possible. It is separated from the dense mase of buildings which form the adjacent part of Canton. only by a narrow inlet or canal which in part is fordable at low water and in part is choked up with amall craft
across which an enemy could run, moreover perhaps the
most vulnerable side consists of the French concession,
the defence of which rests with the French Consul who acts
wholly independently. The British Consul General also
appeared much averse to any increase in the garrison alleging
that there was no space whatever available for the troops.
I suggested to the General the immediate necessity of a
wire fence and entanglement to check a rush, and he told
me he had already had this in mind and proposed to send
up ten miles of wire at once. He did so, and at the same
time sent a telegram to the War office stating that in
his opinion the garrison of 80 men
was insufficient
J
for the defence of the place. He also himself went to
Canton, and pointed out to the Consul General that there
Was
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.