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CHAPTER III (Å)

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CHAPTER III.

ACTION BY STAFF AND DEPARTMENTS.

(A.)—General Review of Measures to be taken.

(i.) At the "Precautionary" Stage.

1. The notification that the "precautionary" stage of the Defence Scheme is to be adopted will be sent in the form of a warning telegram by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor, who will inform the G.O.C.

This stage will be intimated to Commanding Officers by the following message, "Precautionary measures," which will be sent by telephone or messenger and immediately acknowledged to the C.S.O.

The following measures will be at once commenced :—

(1.) The provision of an infantry guard with a Maxim and placing in a state of defence the wireless telegraphy installation at Cape D'Aguilar (port war signal station). (2.) The posting of infantry guards with Maxims at the cable landing places in Tyhowan and Deep Water Bays and placing them in a state of defence.

(3.) The posting of guards with Maxims at Kowloon and Aberdeen Dock gates. (4.) The posting of guards for the security of batteries, electric-light emplace- ments, engine houses, P.F. cells, test rooms, Brennan torpedo installation, &c., and construction of minor field works and entanglements for their defence where indicated.

(5.) The posting of a nucleus of artillery and engineer personnel at gun and light defences.

(6.) The establishment of military signalling stations and the instalment of telephone instruments in permanent buildings to facilitate the completion of the command system.

(7.) Preparations to lay mines in anticipation of naval requirements and con-

currence.

(8.) Preparations connected with the regulation of harbour traffic and with putting in force the examination service.

(9.) The execution of improvised works, clearing of ground, &c.

On the "precautionary" stage being notified, action will be taken by Staff and Departmental officers, as laid down under that heading in this chapter, and by the Civil administration, as laid down in Chapter VI.

(ii.) At the "War" Stage.

2. The "war" stage will be similarly notified by telegram to the Governor on the outbreak of war, and will be communicated by him to the G.O.C., who will issue the order to mobilize. Action as detailed under the heading of "war" stage in this chapter will at once be taken by Staff and Departmental officers and by the Civil adminis- tration, as shown in Chapter VI.

The following are the measures which are taken at the "war" stage :-

(1.) Troops will be distributed to their several sections and to the Reserve. (2.) The enforcement of cable censorship.

(3.) All available measures for obtaining intelligence of the enemy will be put

in force.

(4.) Completion of Command telephone system.

(5.) The laying of mines (after naval concurrence has been obtained).

(6.) Enforcement of the examination service (with naval concurrence).

(7.) Moving of movable armament with complement of ammunition to assigned positions.

(8.) The construction of gun and howitzer emplacements, field magazines, block- houses, earthworks, and communications as planned.

(9.) Deficiencies (if any) of gun ainmunition in batteries to be made good.

(10.) The building of mat-sheds to shelter the garrisons of sections.

(11.) The Hong Kong Volunteer Corps will be called out for military service, and efforts made to complete them up to their establishment. See Proclamation (ii), Chapter VI.

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