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5. But he agrees with Commodore Sullivan in thinking that shore defences, however powerful, will not avail to defend the dockyard and stores from attempts to burn them, which may be made by small vessels, and that to render the place reasonably secure from such attempts the batteries should be supplemented by torpedo boats.
6. In a joint report, which they will, I hope, be able to send home by next mail, I am informed by the Commodore they have recommended that four "Lightning" torpedo boats, and sixteen Whitehead torpedoes, new pattern, be provided for the defence of Simon's and Table Bays.
7. In a memorandum on Table Bay, Colonel Hassard has proposed the following as armament of the batteries, which he, in concurrence with all previous military authorities, considers necessary for the defence of the bay:-Ten 38-ton guns, two 25-ton guns, twelve heavy guns in all, as a minimum. 18-ton guns Colonel Hassard considers would be useful, but unless heavy long range guns are used, the object of the works will not be attained.
We cannot, of course, expect such an amount of armament to be furnished without a very definite and formal settlement of the incidence of cost between Her Majesty's Exchequer and that of the Colony.
But as a long time must elapse in preparing either guns or torpedoes, I write now in order that Her Majesty's Government may be aware of the extent of our requirements, so that no time may be lost in supplying what is required as soon as the question of payment can be settled.
In the meantime, I would suggest that some of the heavy long range guns, and at least two "Lightning" torpedo boats, with a suitable supply of Whitehead torpedoes, new pattern, may be sent out on account of Simon's Bay, where they are beyond question required for the defence of Her Majesty's Dockyard, and that a moderate sum, say 10,0007., be placed on the Estimates on account of works, the construction of which will be required during the coming year towards the completion of the defences of Simon's Bay and a commencement of those of Table Bay.
I have, &c.
No. 188.
(Signed)
H. B. E. FRERE.
The Earl of Dufferin to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.—(Received June 24.)
(Telegraphic.)
THIS Government is anxious to know if the naval authorities at Esquimalt will be able from time to time, on repayment, to supply powder and shot and shell for the gun which has been lately mounted near Victoria, as Canada has no magazine at that place.
Sir,
No. 189.
War Office to Colonial Office.
War Office, June 24, 1878. REFERRING to the letter from this office of the 18th June, 1877,* on the subject of the coast defences of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to request that you will be good enough to lay before Sir Michael Hicks Beach the accompanying letters, dated 16th and 30th April last, from the Commanding Royal Engineer at Cape Town, inclosing copies of correspondence which has taken place between the Colonial Government and the officers of the War Department at the station respecting provision of defences for Table Bay; and a copy of a letter from this Office to the General Officer Commanding, dated 6th instant, on the subject.
I am to request that the letters from the Commanding Royal Engineers, and copies of correspondence forwarded therewith, may be returned to this Office in due course.
I have, &c. (Signed)
EUSTACE G. CECIL.
• Not printed.
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