CAB11-57-3 — Page 6

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The names and description of the individuals selected, with proposed rates

pay, to be approved and inserted in general orders.

In order to provide against the contingency of the stoppage of exports from the mainland of China, arrangements will be made with the con- tractor of supplies to increase without delay the month's reserve of cattle provided for by contract, supplemented by such other live stock as will prove useful.

(For quantity, &c., of food, see Appendices VIII to XII.)

X.-Fuel and Light.

On the outbreak of hostilities, the Officer commanding Army Service Corps will obtain, by purchase or contract, the quantities of fuel and light required for six months' consumption, in accordance with Appendix XIII and place them in safe and suitable storehouses.

XI.-Water.

The town of Victoria has an ample supply of water. Both the reservoirs are, however, on the southern side of the hills, and the principal one, that at Tyham, is beyond the line to be taken up for military defence.

A strong detachment of police will be stationed here; the reservoir is connected by a telegraph line with the town. Some streams on the northern side of the hills could be led into the conduit, so that a small supply would be available even if the reservoirs were cut off.

At the out-stations there are sources of supply from wells and streams which will be utilized; these can be supplemented, if necessary, by con- veying water from the town in lighters.

XII.-Intelligence.

Distant intelligence of the movements of the enemy's ships and fleets will be obtained by the Navy. By night immediate intelligence will be obtained by the scouting and torpedo boats (vide Appendix VII). They will communicate their information either to the nearest telegraph station, for transmission to head-quarters, or bring it in direct. The different stations round the island and the lines of telegraph are shown in the Plan. By day, immediate intelligence will be obtained by scouting and torpedo boats in thick weather; and in clear weather from the Victoria Peak signal station, 1,823 feet above the sea. Ships 40 or 50 miles distant can be seen from it in clear weather. A signal station will also be established on Mount Parker to see to the north-east. Signal stations will be established at Rocky Bay and at Telegraph Bay to enable the scout-boats to com- municate more rapidly with the nearest telegraph station.

With a view to giving notice of an impending attack, the "alarm" will be given by three guns fired in rapid succession from the "Victor Emanuel." Each section will signal by telephone to head-quarters that they have heard the signal.

XIII.-Co-operation of the Navy.

The forces at the disposal of the Navy at Hong Kong consist of the "Wivern," the two gun-boats "Esk" and "Tweed," and at least two first class and two second class torpedo-boats. There would be in addition such vessels as might be detailed by the Commander-in-chief.

The Navy would co-operate in the defence by using the means at its disposal to obtain early intelligence of the approach of the enemy and by undertaking all scouting. Should he succeed in establishing himself in force in the neighbouring islands or the coast of China, it would endeavour to prevent a landing on the south shore. It would also harass him by night attacks with the torpedo-boats.

There are eight of these boats now at Hong Kong, but they would have to be manned and officered by the fleet, and the number available would depend on the arrangements of the Commander-in-chief, but it is

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