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SUMMARY of Garrisons.
Proposed Garrison.
Present Garrison.
Stations.
Imperial
Local
Total.
Troops.
Troops.
Imperial Troops.
Local Troops.
Total.
Sierra Leone
1,350
1,350
647*
647*
St. Helena
200†
200
219
219
Cape of Good Hope
3,000
1,000
4,000
1,016
1,000
2,016
Mauritius
1,690
1,690
376
376
Ceylon
520
200
720
1,215
400
1,615
Singapore
1,347
1,653
3,000
890
890
Hong Kong
1,276
1,486
2,762
1,2201
95
1,315
Jamaica..
1,180
St. Lucia
2,930
1,624
1,750
1,624§
Aden
2,000
2,000
1,832
1,832
Totals
12,313
6,339
18,652
7,207
3,327
10,534
See Appendix No. 2.
CONCLUSION.
148. We have now completed a review in detail of the measures which we consider necessary for an organized system of defence of the more important colonial ports and naval stations belonging to your Majesty, which, in our opinion, constitute the coaling-stations of the first class mentioned below. We conclude our final Report by offering a few observa- tions from a general point of view.
149. The protection of trade within the home seas does not fall within our inquiry, but it is obvious that unless due protection be afforded to British commerce near the shores of the United Kingdom, any measures for its defence in more distant parts of the world will be of little avail.
150. No addition to the number and fighting power of your Majesty's ships will make up for the want of coaling-stations, which to be of use must be able to defend themselves. We desire to impress upon your Majesty's Government the paramount importance to the British Empire of secure coaling-stations. The agency of steam has revolutionized naval operations as much as it has altered the ships themselves. The change affects ships of war even in a greater degree than merchant-ships. In a man-of-war, the limited capacity for carrying coal, taken in connection with the high rate of consumption, necessarily limits the range of effective action. Without secure and well-placed coaling-stations your Majesty's ships, however numerous and powerful, will be unable to protect trade, or perhaps even to reach distant parts of the Empire.
151. Two classes of coaling-stations are required.
(1.) Refitting stations and harbours of refuge, in which coal is stored in large quantities. We have entered into detail on the defences necessary for the important stations which fall within this category. They must be strong enough to resist such attacks as may reasonably be expected. Their defences will involve a heavy expenditure of money and large garrisons; their number, therefore, must be as limited as possible.
(2.) Stations at which coal is and must always be kept for the navy, but for which it is unnecessary to provide an extensive system of defence. We have not thought it right to delay our Report by attempting an investiga- tion in detail of the defences necessary for any secondary stations. We think it well worthy of consideration whether, in conformity with a suggestion of Sir Lintorn Simmons, supplies of coal may not in many such cases be kept inland, defended by a small permanent redoubt, which, being beyond the reach of artillery fire from ships, will not require a heavy armament. Such
a redoubt could not be reduced without regular siege works, which would
* At Sierra Leone and on Gold Coast.
Including 166 gun lascars.
+ Assistance from local militia probable.
§ Total garrison in West Indies.
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