CAB11-57-5 — Page 34

Page 34

Page 34

Page 34

44

(ii.) SUPPLIES.

Hong Kong is most favourably situated to maintain a long siege, being the eastern depot for all kinds of supplies used both by Europeans and natives; in fact, there are probably few places where so large a stock of provisions could be obtained in so short a time.

The following are the immediate steps to be taken, if actual necessity should arise, with a view to accumulating supplies.

In order to provide against the contingency of the stoppage of exports from the mainland of China, arrangements will be made with the contractor 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. The local reserves of cattle kept by the contractor will also be taken over by the War Department.

Method of obtaining Supplies.

Live cattle to be further purchased in the numbers required from Canton, and live cattle, sheep, and goats from the coast ports of China and Japan, through the Consuls at these places.

The names and addresses of all likely contractors, or large owners, are duly recorded in the office of the D.A.A.G. (B) at this station, together with necessary information as regards the means of transport of supplies from the various coast ports, &c.

Pork, fresh and dried. All local reserves would be purchased at once, and the quantity required to supplement these would be obtained from Shanghai, Pakhoi, and Hoihow, through the Consuls at these places.

Preserved meat, flour for bread, rice, sugar, salt, preserved vegetables, dhal, ghee, salted vegetables, kerosine oil, common oil, coal, and porter would all be obtained locally.

There is an almost inexhaustible supply of fresh fish, and this would be used to supplement the diets of Europeans, Indians, and Chinese alike. Salt fish can also be obtained from Macao at a few hours' notice.

No difficulty is anticipated in rationing the garrison and what would remain of the civil population for two months, and if sufficient notice, say of three weeks to a month, were given, there is no doubt that four months' supplies could be obtained.

Method of storing Supplies.

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

The general military depôt will be within the cantonments, and will consist of the Army Service Corps, offices and stores, the Commissariat buildings, and adjacent storehouses temporarily hired for the purpose.

The supplies for the sections will generally be delivered daily, but small reserves in case of an emergency would be stored in tents or mat-sheds when other accommodation is not available.

Method of issuing Supplies.

The issue of supplies to the garrison at their various defence posts would be carried out by the Coolie Corps specified in the Transport portion of this Scheme.

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 make other arrangements.

Page 34

→

Page 34