Protection of Hongkong Important; Battle Fleet Would Be Stationed at Singapore in Event of War Singapore, June 23.
A serious View of the situation in Tientsin and Swatow is, it is believed, being taken by the Anglo-French Defence Conference now in session here, Although confirmation is lacking, is believed that Admiral Sir Percy Noble, Commander-in-Chief of the British China Station, n accelerate his return to China. it is believed that the protection of Hongkong formed an important feature of the discussions.
Defence experts ar^ understood to consider that Hongkong is capable of withstanding a long siege, in view of recent steps taken to expand and modernize the Colony's defences.
it is also thought that ihe British and French naval forces, although smaller than those of a potential enemy in the Far East, would have a tremendous "nuisance value" until reinforcements could arrive.
Full preparations have already been made for the stationing of a battle fleet at Singapore in the event of war.—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.