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CHAPTER VII.

WAR ARRANGEMENTS BY COMMODORE-IN-CHARGE, HONG KONG.

CHAPTER VII (A).

Naval Action in connection with Local Defence.

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

The Naval War Arrangements for Hong Kong are under the direction of the Commodore.

2. The action and duties for that part of the Defence which have been undertaken by the Navy are :-

(i.) In the case of sudden alarm the Naval Dock is to be flooded if no ship is inside, and the caisson towed in.

If a ship is in dock, water is to be let in as soon as possible.

That ship will also be called on to provide guards for the Dockyard.

(ii.) If, as is more probable, the outbreak of hostilities is preceded by a period of "strained relations," the procedure will be:-

On receipt of the "warning" telegram, or a notification from his Excellency the Governor, or the Naval Commander-in-Chief, that it has been received by them, the Commodore will communicate the information to the officers responsible for the various duties, and the following action will be taken :-

(a.) "Tamar" to be placed in Naval Basin.

(b.) Net defence placed in front of

(1.) Naval Dock.

(2.) Hongham Dock. (3.) Quarry Bay Dock.

(4.) Kowloon Camber.

5.) Naval Camber.

(c.) "Taku" and four torpedo boats will be mobilized.

(d.) Mine sweeping craft prepared.

(e.) Examination Service put in operation.

(f) Signal Stations mobilized.

(9.) The censorship enforced, in conjunction with the Military authorities.

(h.) Special warnings given to prevent leakage of information concerning Naval

matters.

(i.) Special Police precautions adopted in the Dockyards.

(j.) The Supplementary Defence put into operation as soon as the ships and men are available.

(iii.) On receipt of the " War" telegram, or on information that it has been received, the only further action required is to complete the above as rapidly as possible.

3. The crews of any of the West River gun-boats that may be sent to Hong Kong will be used to complete "Taku" and the four torpedo boats.

4. The crews of other ships of small fighting value not otherwise detailed will be used for the Supplementary Floating Defence.

5. Civilian labour and local craft will be hired as detailed in the succeeding sections.

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