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APPENDIX C.

EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE DEFENCE OF COALING STATIONS.

Parliamen-

tary Paper 04186 of

1884.

Sir,

No. 1.

War Office to Colonial Office.

War Office, 19th March 1884. Referring to former correspondence on the defence of British possessions and commerce abroad, and to the report of the Royal Commission on this subject, dated 22nd July 1882, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acquaint you, for the information of the Earl of Derby, that it has been decided to adopt, as a basis of action in dealing with the defence of the various foreign stations, the recommendations of the Inspector-General of Fortifications on the above report, which have been generally approved by the Defence Committee.

It is accordingly proposed that the defences of the naval stations of Singapore and Hong Kong shall be first taken into consideration.

Having regard to the great interest which the colonies have in the protec- tion of their stations against sudden attack, it appears reasonable that the cost of these defences should be borne by the local governments, or if Lord Derby is of opinion that the whole cost cannot be equitably charged against them, the armaments might be provided by the Imperial Government.

I am to enclose, for Lord Derby's information, the accompanying summary of the recommendations of the Inspector-General of Fortifications on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.

I am to add that a further communcation will be addressed to you as to the expense of extra garrisons, torpedo corps, &c., required.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

I have, &c.,

RALPH THOMPSON.

Inclosure in No. 1.

SUMMARY of recommendations of the Inspector-General of Fortifications in his memorandum on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, which has been approved generally by the Defence Committee, under the Presidency of His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal Commanding in Chief, subject to future con-

sideration of details.

HONG KONG.

Hong Kong is probably under existing circumstances the most liable to attack of all our important coaling stations. Its value to our Eastern trade is so great that it should be made secure against such enterprises as may reasonably be anticipated.

Works Armaments

Total

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:

£

55,625

37,500

93,125

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