CAB11-57-9 — Page 4

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Sir,

Covering Despatch of Governor.

Government House, Hong Kong, June 22, 1901. I HAVE the honour to forward the Defence Scheme of this Colony revised to date. In the covering letter of Major-General Gascoigne, I entirely agree with the exception of the suggestion as to the place of refuge for women and children in the event of war. Especially would I endorse the views of Major-General Gascoigne as to the needs of the garrison involving the inclusion of a British regiment and a mountain battery.

Mil

an M

2. The "makeshift" magazine referred to in paragraph 8 is the Colonial magazine, i

See which is quite suitable for the purpose for which it is intended. But there is no objection to moving it to any position in which it will be considered more safe from seaward shell fire, although at present it is protected by the hills to the south of the island on which batteries have been erected, and is at a considerable distance from any batteries or barracks. However, such a transfer of the magazine to a position considered more safe by the military authorities, will, of course, be made at the expense of the Imperial Government under the late arrangement increasing the military contribution of the Colony as a full equivalent for all military expenses of whatever

nature.

3. With reference to the subject of paragraph 9, I have the honour to enclose a copy of the correspondence upon the subject with Major-General Gascoigne. I am at one with his Excellency in considering a Chinese insurrection improbable, but it is on the assumption that some such trouble may arise that the place of refuge finds a place in the Defence Scheme. There are about 4,000 non-Chinese women and children in the Colony, to which in such an event we must add at least 1,000 faithful Chinese, who would have no place to go to. If we add their husbands, whom the General Officer Commanding purposes to arm, we shall have between 7,000 and 8,000 people to supply with shelter. To do this on any shipping within our reach would, to my mind, be utterly impracticable. Probably husbands who were worth anything would be in the fighting line, but granting their ability to protect all the women and children, where are the ships to come from? It is extremely improbable that any seagoing ships would be idle in harbour, and even if they were the expense of their charter would be enormous. This will be realised when the cost of the transports during the present troubles in the north is remembered. However uncomfortable it may be to have women and children near where batteries may be engaged, Stonecutters Island would, in my opinion, offer the greatest assurance of safety from attack by Chinese, while there is ample accommodation upon the island on land belonging to the Colonial Government where shelters could be put up cheaply. The island is isolated and well defended, where landing could be denied either to Chinese or to other foreign enemies.

4. In paragraph 12 Major-General Gascoigne states that the road communications on the mainland require improving. I have not yet had any suggestions on the subject from his Excellency, but I think it probable that some communication from the south to positions on the Kowloon range may be advisable. The road from Kowloon to Tide Cove is now complete, and such means of approach from Mirs Bay may possibly require to be defended by a battery later on, but I have no doubt this has not escaped the observation of the military experts.

६

I have, &c., (Signed)

HENRY A. BLAKE,

Governor, &c.

247R

35-

The Right Honourable

Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.

&c.

&c.

[822]

&c.

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