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4. The distribution of the garrison appears to carry subdivision to an undue extreme. There are no less than twelve sections, all independent, except that Nos. 4 to 7 are placed for tactical purposes under the command of the second in command of the British infantry.

The necessity for this minute subdivision is not very apparent. It results in assigning difficult tasks to inadequate forces. Thus, section 5 (p. 140) is held by one company of infantry, and its object is "to prevent ships anchoring off the shore, and, if possible, to prevent a landing." It is true that some co-operation is to be expected from nine howitzers, but these are situated in three other sections, some at considerable distance. Again, section 12 (p. 206) is held by a half-company of the Hong Kong regiment, and its object is "to cover British Kowloon with its batteries, barracks, naval depôts, coal depôts, and waterworks from a hostile raid from China.”

It is suggested that the troops should be redistributed in three or four sections. In making this distribution the artillery chain of command should be borne in mind.

5.-Page 7. The Japanese Empire will now have to be included in the list of possible hostile Powers affecting the strategical conditions of Hong Kong.

6.-Pages, 9, 143, and 223. No reliance should be placed on naval assistance. The vessels referred to at p. 7 could not be utilized for the defence, as they would have no crews. The naval gun-boats, torpedo-boats, &c., referred to at pp. 33, 37, 134, 150, and 159 are primarily a reserve to the squadron. The station must be prepared to defend itself without any trust in help from the Navy, which must be left absolutely unfettered by land ties. All reference to it should therefore be omitted.

7.-Page 26. No less than ninety-one men are withdrawn from the ranks of the two infantry battalions to act as signallers, telegraphists, and stretcher- bearers. An almost similar number, viz., ninety-four, are taken for artillery purposes. A further demand is apparently (pp. 37 and 74) to be made on the infantry for strengthening the guards over stores and magazines.

To avoid as far as possible this reduction in the strength of the infantry, it is desirable that some steps should be taken to increase the actual strength of the local auxiliary forces. It is noticed that, out of an establishment of 237 all ranks, only ninety-four have been enrolled, of which some sixty-one are efficients. In his Report of July 1894 on the Volunteer Corps to the Legislative Council, the General Officer Commanding expressed his opinion that, as suggested by the Commandant, the best possible effect would be produced by a Government notification to the Heads of Government Departments and mercantile firms that they attach much importance to this force, and calling on them to facilitate the attendance at drills of their employés. This is a simple measure well worthy of trial.

It is for consideration whether it would not be possible to get volunteers to undertake the signalling service, either wholly or in part. These duties have been found at home to be attractive to volunteers, and to be very efficiently carried out by them.

It is also for consideration to what extent soldiers might be replaced by civilians as telegraphists, telephone operators, and stretcher-bearers.

8.-Pages 37 to 74. Apparently, it is assumed that the Navy will provide a guard-boat to patrol round Kellett Island. It should be stated whether the naval authorities have concurred in this arrangement, or its necessity.

9.-Page 63. In their remarks on the Local Joint Naval and Military Report, the Committee have recommended the abolition of No. 5 mine-field. When the joint decision of the Admiralty and War Office on that Report reach the station, the necessary modifications should be made in the Scheme.

10.-Page 223. The last sentence on page relating to organization of patrols afloat should be omitted.

Pending the reconsideration of the Scheme by the Local Committee in the direction recommended in paragraph 2 above, the Colonial Defence Committee think it unnecessary to examine closely the more detailed portions of the Scheme, as they so largely depend on the general principles on which the defence is to be arranged.

July 9, 1895.

(Signed)

M. NATHAN, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—10/7/95.

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