CAB11-57-3 — Page 5

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VI.-Engineer Workshops.

There are at present no Engineer workshops at the station, except those belonging to the submarine mining establishment, but the resources of Hong Kong, in the way of workshops and material, is practically unlimited, and they could promptly be rendered available.

VII.-Ordnance Stores.

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In consequence of War Office Order 40185 only twenty cartridges are filled per 6-inch B.L. gun, the remaining cartridges required to complete, 200 rounds per gun, will be made up by the Staff of the Ordnance Store Department.

Cartridges to complete the batteries to 200 rounds per gun at present stored at Kellett's Island will be sent to the works and stored in field magazines where the permanent magazines are not sufficient for the whole number of rounds required.

Officers commanding Divisions to draw from the Ordnance Store Department the proportions of small-arm ammunition, entrenching tools, and camp equipment laid down for their sections, and demand transport for its removal to the works.

The powder stored at Kellett's Island to be moved as soon as possible to temporary field magazines in the nullah to the right rear of the new magazine. Six cargo-boats, one steam-launch, and 400 coolies for three days will be required for its removal.

A temporary laboratory to be erected up the nullah behind the old magazine for the purpose of shell-filling, the laboratory proper being used for cartridge-filling only.

VIII.-Transport.

The transport requirements for the conveyance of troops and supplies to the outlying forts would consist of coolies, steam-launches, and cargo. boats.

Under ordinary circumstances no difficulty would be experienced in obtaining what was required, as the resources of the Colony are practically unlimited.

Should an exodus of the Chinese population take place, assistance could be had from the merchant shipping in the harbour, and European and Indian employés obtained in sufficient numbers.

The officer commanding Army Service Corps is in charge of all army transport, and all requisitions for transport will be addressed to him.

IX.-Food.

The exportation of food and other supplies will be prohibited as soon as war is imminent.

The Colonial authorities will ascertain the most suitable situations for the storage of food for the subsistence of the civil population.

The supplies for the forts will be stored in mat-sheds when other accommodation is not available.

The general depôt will be within the cantonments, and will consist of the Army Service Corps offices and stores, the Commissariat buildings, with the adjacent stores at Lots 4, 73, and 74.

The Officer commanding the Army Service Corps will requisition the local authorities for two months' supply of provisions, this quantity being always on hand for the use of the troops.

The subsistence of the civil population and distribution of their food will be in the hands of the Colonial authorities, unless it be found necessary to place it in the hands of the Army Service Corps.

The number of Chinese in Hong Kong is on no account to exceed the probable sources of food supply during a blockade.

The Officer commanding Army Service Corps will arrange for the employment of the additional civil subordinates required by him to carry out the duties connected with the storage and distribution of provisions.

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