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same time extend to them police authority.

As soldiers pure and simple, or as

unarmed police, something might be made of the village constables, but a hybrid force would probably be more dangerous to the Colony in peace than to the enemy in war.

M. NATHAN, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

January 19, 1899.

Approved by LAW

11.2.99 mi

266 trong trong lành 5/ Kong/26

APPENDIX (A).

Extract from a Despatch from the Officer Administering the Government of Hong Kong, dated

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June 13, 1898.

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4. WITH the exception possibly of a fort on the "Devil's Hill," on the north of the Lymun Strait, I do not consider that the increase of territory demands an extension of our line of defence on the Kowloon Peninsula. In fact, with our present garrison it would be injudicions to throw forward our troops beyond the present position.

5. If it is thought necessary, in consequence of the increase of territory, to increase the garrison, I trust that ample notice will be given beforehand, as the question of housing the troops on healthy sites needs full consideration.

6. I assume that there exists no intention to occupy in any way the shores of Mirs Bay, as it seems clear to me that by our naval power alone we hold it, and deny its use for hostile purposes.

7. As for Deep Bay, it is an indentation in the coast with very shallow water, and was probably chosen as the line between the two bays, was the shortest available, and admitted of easy demarcation.

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APPENDIX (B).

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Extract from a Letter from Mr. Long to Colonel McSwiney, dated July 20, 1898.

MIGHT I make a suggestion regarding the policing the new territory, and that is, that on Imperial grounds the Colonial authorities be urged to form a police battalion on semi-military lines, as I feel certain that this would be a step in the right direction, and might form a nucleus for the eventual formation of a regular British Chinese force, which would be available for future contingencies. There is a fairly general opinion that some portion of the Chinese, well drilled, officered, and led, would make excellent fighting material.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. II ARRISON,-23,1/99.

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