CAB7-4 — Page 348

Page 348

Page 348

Appendix No. 4.

HONG KONG.

Cost, 80,000.

Maintenance-

In peace, 5,000 a-year. In war, 15,000 "

Kowloon Peninsula.

See Lieutenant Russell's water colour sketch of Kowloon, No. 5.*

Country between boundary-line and sea batteries.

Position between batteries at Kowloon East and Kowloon West.

300 infantry required.

Stonecutter's Island.

200 infantry required.

Barracks at Quarry Point. 100 infantry.

Probable mode of attack fro back of island.

320

That they would form an invaluable element in that defence is evident, and it is for consideration whether some arrangement might be made between the Admiralty and the Colonial Government, to ensure their being in the harbour during the continuance of a war between this country and any foreign Power.

During such time the Colony might be asked to pay for the maintenance and service of the ships, on condition that they were left for harbour defence exclusively. The cost of these vessels with their armament, and of the four torpedo boats with the extra fittings for twelve more launches, would be at least 80,0001. (exclusive of the "Wivern"), and the cost of maintenance in time of peace 5,000. a-year, and in time of war, when fully manned for service, about 15,000l. a-year.

LAND DEFENCES.

The boundary-line of the Kowloon Peninsula (there is no neutral ground as shown in the Admiralty chart), after crossing a narrow ridge of hills on the western shore, runs over large paddy fields and level ground, then crosses and recrosses a valley, which runs for a distance of about two-thirds the width of the peninsula, and of which a considerable portion is seen from the hill above the Cosmopolitan Dock.

An easy footpath goes over the part which is not seen, mecting the main road to Kowloon city at a short distance from the water at Kowloon Bay.

But between the boundary-line and the settled part of Kowloon there is a conglomeration of naked rocky hills, over which no military operations could be undertaken except under the greatest difficulties; it is therefore thought desirable to confine the defence of Kowloon to the defence of the batteries themselves, and for this the nature of the ground is well adapted.

The two batteries at Kowloon East and West, if constructed for musketry and artillery fire in rear, would of themselves make a position strong enough to oppose any force coming in that direction, and a 64-pounder has been provided in each of these batteries for the purpose.

But as it is proposed to build a barrack for the infantry required for the defence on the existing parade-ground, it would be as well, as proposed by the Committee, to occupy the two adjoining hills, intermediate and in advance (one of which is known as Elgin, or Observatory Hill), with small field works con- necting these works with a ditch, and flanking the connection with field-guns. According to the plan accompanying this Report the Committee would appear to have advanced the flanks of the position more than is necessary; it is for con- sideration whether the right and left flanks should not rest on Kowloon East and West Batteries respectively. Kowloon Dock Battery must be left to its own resources. A very few men, with a mountain gun or machine gun placed on the hill, north of the battery before referred to, would prevent any advance from the land side.

For the defence of the Kowloon position 300 men should be sufficient, in addition to the gun detachments.

At Stonecutter's Island barracks for 200 infantry should be provided; these men would furnish a detachment for the defence of Stonecutter's West, and would be available for the protection of any point or points on which a boat attack might be threatened.

The Committee recommend that barracks should be built at Quarry Point, on a height to the right flank of the battery, for 100 men, and that barracks for 100 men and half a battery of artillery should be built near Belcher's Point.

These are well placed, though, according to the Committee's plan, too high up the hill for a close defence of the batteries, and, as it were, secure the flanks of the sea defences of the harbour. The former, in conjunction with the 64-pounder in Quarry Point Battery, as before stated, prevent any approach by the Tytam Road, and will also protect North Point Battery from any attempt of a small body of men to take possession of the hills above it. The latter will protect Belcher's Point Battery, and prevent any approach by the Aberdeen Road, the field artillery being able to advance by a good road to Aberdeen, and so assist in preventing any landing in the small coves on the coast.

It is for consideration, however, whether the force here should not be increased, as the position is at a considerable distance from the military can- tomments, and could not easily be reinforced.

Any attack in force from the back of the island would probably commence with the seizure of Aberdeen Harbour by the enemy, who would attempt to advance upon the town by the road skirting the hill, so that it is important that Importance of position at Bel- this point should be strongly held. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a barrack at Belcher's Point for 200 infantry, in addition to the half battery of artillery.

cher's Point,

Barrack recommended for 200

Arrangements should also be made for mining the road to impede the infantry and a half battery of advance of the enemy, and many favourable places present themselves, both

before and after reaching Sandy Bay.

artillery.

* Not printed.

Page 348

Page 348

Page 348