Page 11
8
the promontory of British Kowloon, which, near the centre, juts out southward for about 3 miles, and is about 2 miles wide.
The west, south, and eastern shores of Hong Kong form a line of indented coast, in many places accessible to a landing, more especially in the sheltered Bays of Aberdeen, Deep Water, Repulse, Stanley, and Tytam.
An irregular chain of hills runs the whole length of the island, rising in some places to a height of over 1,800 feet, across which there are nine fairly good roads leading from the coast to the harbour, over passes varying in elevation from 400 to 1,300 feet.
The harbour entrances are protected by batteries and mines, as hereafter more minutely described, supported by second lines of works on the western and eastern sides of the Kowloon Peninsula; those on the eastern side being assisted by a battery on the northern shore of Hong Kong.
In the event of war there would probably be a large exodus of Chinese owing to the failure of the means of livelihood. This cause, however, would not have its full effect at once, and making the fullest allowance for it and for the operation of fear, it is doubtful whether it would be safe to calculate on the diminution of the population by much more than one-half.
As will be seen
further on, it is calculated that the place, if blockaded, might hold out, even with the necessity of feeding these large numbers, for two months, and probably longer if the land approaches are kept open.
Principal Objects for Destruction or Capture.
The principal objects for destruction or capture by an enemy are :—
1. The telegraph cables to Europe and elsewhere.
2. The naval establishments and torpedo depôt.
3. The shipping in harbour.
4. The docks.
5. The coal stores.
6. The magazines.
Telegraph Cables.-There are three telegraph lines to Europe, namely :-
1. Viâ Saigon and Singapore.
2. Viâ Shanghai, Vladivostock, and Russia.
3. That recently constructed viâ Labuan and Singapore.
In the event of a war against France and Russia, communication by the first two would probably be at once cut off, but that by the third line, which goes to Singapore without touching at any point not in British territory, would, it is hoped, be maintained.
The shore ends of the cable which are landed at Telegraph Bay and at Deep Water Bay will be specially guarded. As the line passes for a con- siderable distance among the surrounding islands and in comparatively shallow water, there is risk of it being cut at sea, but there is sufficient cable to repair it when the ends are picked up, though this might require considerable time.
Naval Establishments, &c.-The naval establishments, docks (except those at Aberdeen), and coal stores being within the harbour, no special precautions are necessary for their defence.
forts:
Magazines.-There are four main magazines in addition to those in the
(a.) The Old and New Magazines in the cantonments in Victoria. These are fairly safe from hostile fire, but would require additional and careful protec- tion by extra sentries, &c.
(b.) Kellett's Island. This chiefly contains ammunition for the navy. It is more exposed to hostile fire, but is fairly safe from it. Extra precautions would be desirable for guarding it.
(c.) Nobel's Explosive Magazine on One Tree Island off Aberdeen. This is in a very exposed situation, and must be left to its fate.
(d.) The Government Powder Magazine in the old gaol on Stonecutter's
Page 11
Page 11
Page 11
L
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.