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CHAPTER III.
ACTION BY STAFF AND DEPARTMENTS.
(A.)-General Review of Measures to be taken.
ON the order to mobilize, the visual signalling system will at once be put in force, and the telegraph and telephone system completed; the troops will be distributed to their several sections and reserves; the submarine mines will be laid, and the Harbour Regulations put in force, subject to the conditions named in Section (E) of this chapter.
All available means for obtaining intelligence of an enemy's movements, including such assistance as may be obtained from the navy, will be put in force.
The portions of movable armaments which have fixed positions assigned to them will, if not previously placed, be at once moved into them with their complement of ammunition. All deficiencies of gun ammunition in the batteries, if any, will at once be made good.
Howitzer batteries, field magazines, block-houses, earthworks, and communi- cations as planned, where not previously executed, will at once be put in hand.
Mat-sheds will be built to shelter the troops in first line.
It is estimated that the defensive works of both first and second line will be completed in from 3 to 8 days, and that mat-sheds to replace the tents will be erected in from 10 to 20 days.
The mine-fields can be completely laid out in 4 days.
The Naval Reserve gun-boats, torpedo-boats, &c., will be mobilized and prepared to assist the troops in obtaining distant information, and repelling a landing.
Information will be sent to the Consuls at neighbouring ports in China, Japan, Singapore, Manila, &c., of the special Regulations for entrance to the harbour being put in force.
The Hong Kong Volunteer Corps will be called out for actual military service, and efforts made to complete them up to their establishment.
(B.)-Action by D.A.A.G. (A).
On the order to mobilize, this officer will immediately arrange for the orderly assembly of the several corps (other than the Hong Kong Regiment and the troops quartered in the forts and on detachment) on the garrison parade, and their immediate formation into sections and reserves.
He will give special attention to the immediate establishment of the visual signalling system under the Brigade Instructor, and of its connection with the telegraphic military system.
He will also arrange with the Civil authorities for the use of the Colonial telephones, and generally will have charge of all arrangements connected with obtaining and communicating intelligence.
Schedule III annexed to Chapter II gives a detailed description of the system of visual signalling, and the map (Schedule IV) illustrates that system, and shows the telegraphs in connection with it.
He will arrange for the strengthening of the magazine guards, and for the protection of Kellett Island by a guard-boat, also for the placing of such guard as may be necessary over the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.
He will communicate with the Civil authorities in regard to the issue of Proclamations and other matters referred to in Chapter VI.
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