CAB11-57-2 — Page 34

Page 34

Page 34

20

named is evidently by the context included amongst the "military posts in which garrisons are maintained for objects altogether independent of and distinct from the defence of the particular countries in which they are situated," and the Committee were of opinion "that as these garrisons are maintained without reference to the wants and wishes of the inhabitants they should be dealt with exceptionally and not included in any general scheme of colonial contribution."

25. Mr. Elliot in dissenting from this opinion and contending that as regards military posts "there would be no injustice in accepting a contribution from such of these places as contain prosperous communities, so long as the amount falls short of the cost of the number of the troops which they would require for their own purposes," proceeds when dealing specifically with the case of Hong Kong to observe that he supposes the garrison there "will always be within the limit of the amount deemed indispensable for general national objects."

26. I entirely agree with Mr. Elliott that even a military post maintained for Imperial purposes "may fairly be asked to contribute if able, a moderate quota towards the expense of troops which are indispensable to its internal security;" but I have already explained-

(1.) That in my opinion the troops are not indispensable for the

security of Hong Kong; and

(2.) That even if this opinion should be erroneous, the quota asked is

the reverse of moderate.

27. And lastly, I find the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Colonial Military Expenditure (1861) have included Hong Kong in the class of "Military Garrisons, Naval Stations, Convict Depôts, maintained chiefly for objects of Imperial policy "--"the responsibility and main cost of the defence of which properly devolve on the Imperial Government."

28. But while for the reasons I have given I do not think Hong Kong can with justice be called on for the contribution demanded, there is an expenditure borne at present by the Imperial Government which is unquestionably for colonial purposes, and which I have always intended to recommend should be assumed by the colony as soon as ever as it is in a position to do so. I allude to the police of the Hong Kong waters and the approaches to them-a duty which, as far as it is performed at all at present, falls entirely on the Imperial Government. Pirates literally swarm amongst the islands, creeks, and rivers in the neighbourhood, and prey, to an extent which would scarcely be credited, upon the local traffic of the colony conducted by Chinese in Chinese craft. Lately they have become so bad that most daring and successful attacks have been made even upon British and foreign vessels within sight of the harbour. All our daily supplies are water borne, and I was assured shortly before leaving the colony that a species of black mail was levied upon all the supplies from the mainland. The Admiral has always given what assistance he could con- sistently with the demands of an extensive station to meet this evil of which he has been fully aware, and after each report of piracy a gunboat is generally sent to cruise about for some days; and one I observe is now stationed off Stone Cutters' Island entirely for local purposes. But some more regular and systematic service is required to suppress altogether this great and growing evil, and I consider that for some years one or perhaps even two gunboats should be kept perpetually cruising about the Macao Passage, the mouth of the Canton River, the Capsingmoon and Lyemoon Passages, and the more immediate waters of the colony. I would earnestly recommend, therefore, that as soon as ever the colony is in a position to meet the expense, it be allowed to fit out and man one or more gunboats for this service, and that the Imperial Government be relieved altogether of the charge of the police of the Hong Kong waters, a duty strictly colonial, but which, even in the inefficient

Page 34

Page 34

Page 34