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APPENDIX.

Sir,

Government House, Hong Kong, February 27, 1901. I HAVE the honour to inclose, for the further consideration of the Colonial Defence Committee, a copy of a letter received from Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Seymour, with reference to the Remarks, No. 247 R, of the Colonial Defence Committee, inclosed in your Secret despatch of the 8th October.

2. I have myself seen it demonstrated more than once that torpedo boats can enter the harbour by one of the western channels, escaping observation, even in practice operations of a few hours. Assuming that in time of war these boats can be brought within striking distance of this harbour, I have no doubt whatever that, after the tension of a few nights' vigilance, they could, under present arrangements, effect an entrance, with disastrous results to shipping, and, possibly, to dock gates. In considering this question, the torpedo craft at Whampoa may, at present, be ignored. They are all worthless. Were they not so, and China hostile, the Bogue Forts must be reduced before Whampoa could be reached.

3. It is clear that Vice-Admiral Seymour does not share the views of the Colonial Defence Committee as to the power of His Majesty's fleet to prevent the conveyance of torpedo boats to within striking distance of the harbour. And it must be remembered that, apart from the question of His Majesty's ships protecting themselves, the security of the large number of merchant ships in this harbour must be considered. Granting the entrance of a hostile torpedo boat into the harbour very serious damage might be inflicted, and I share with the Vice-Admiral and all the members of the Local Defence Committee the belief that, if hostile torpedo boats get within striking distance, they can only be kept out by some such obstruction as that suggested.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

The Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.,

&c.

&c.

&c.

HENRY A. BLAKE, Governor, &c.

* Printed on page 6 of Defence Scheme revised to June, 1901.-SEC., C.D.C.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. HARRISON.-27/1/1902.

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