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Sir,
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Inclosure 1 in No. 32.
Sir G. Bowen to Sir M. Hicks Beach.
Government House, Mauritius, December 28, 1879. IN my despatches noted in the margin,* I have submitted some remarks, for the information of yourself and of the Royal Commission, respecting the military defence of Mauritius.
2. With regard to the naval defence of this Colony, my predecessors in this Government have frequently reported that Mauritius would derive much strength, both material and moral, if it were made, as a general rule, the head-quarters of one of the twelve Queen's ships that are placed at the disposal of the Admiral commanding on the East Indian Station. Formerly this island was included in the naval command of the Cape of Good Hope, and at that period it was often visited by English ships of war, one of which was generally either in the harbour of Port Louis, or cruizing in the neigh- bourhood. But of late years such visits have become rare.
3. It appears that a ship of the French navy is always stationed at the neighbouring Island of Réunion (Bourbon), and keeps up communication between that Colony and the small French Settle- ments on the coast of Madagascar, and in Mayotte (one of the Comoro Islands, in the Mozambique Channel). The civil and military authorities in Mauritius have always been desirous that a similar arrangement should be made with regard to this island, viz., that one of the Queen's ships should be stationed at Mauritius, and should, from these head-quarters, visit periodically the Seychelles, Rodrigues, and the other islands dependent on this Colony; also occasionally visiting the English Consulates in this part of the Indian Ocean, such as those at Bourbon, at Tamatave (in Madagascar), at Zanzibar, and elsewhere on the East Coast of Africa.
4. It should be recollected in connection with this subject that the harbour of Mauritius is the only harbour on the East Indian Station in which the crews of Her Majesty's ships can enjoy, during the greater portion of the year, a comparatively cool and healthy climate. If the ships of war on this station were sent here in turn it would certainly contribute materially to the health and comfort of the officers and men.
5. Hoping that this despatch, like those referred to above, will be communicated to the Royal Commission on Colonial Defence, I have, &c.
G. F. BOWEN.
(Signed)
Inclosure 2 in No. 32.
Sir G. Bowen to Sir M. Hicks Beach.
Sir,
Government House, Mauritius, December 19, 1879.
IN my despatch of the 6th November ultimo,f I had the honour to address you on the subject of the garrison and military defence of Mauritius, and on the urgent importance of the extension of the electric telegraph from Natal or Zanzibar to this Malta of the Indian Ocean.
2. It will be recollected that the importance of Mauritius as a naval and military station was fully tested during the wars of the last century, when (in 1746) an expedition from this island, under its famous Governor, La Bourdonnais, took Madras, and, but for the genius of Clive, would probably have driven the English from India. Again, at the commencement of the present century, previous to the English conquest, in 1810, the loss inflicted upon the maritime trade of the British Empire by French ships of war and privateers issuing from the safe and convenient ports of Mauritius, has been calculated at the amount of not less than 3,000,000l. sterling.
3. It will, of course, be understood that Mauritius must belong permanently to the Power which commands predominance at sea; that we must look to the British navy to protect the landing here of a numerous military force, capable of effecting the permanent conquest of the island; and that the Imperial Government cannot afford to keep here, especially in time of peace, a larger garrison than is required to man the existing forts, and to repel the sudden attack of a small hostile squadron.
CC
4. In the fifth paragraph of the above-mentioned despatch, it was remarked that, owing to the heterogeneous character of the population, no militia, or other numerous local force, could be prudently embodied in this Colony. This has also been the opinion of all previous Governors, so far as can be learned from the official records. I added, however, that there is a Mauritius Rifle Association," supported by some of the residents of European birth or descent; and that it is probable that a volunteer rifle company, of about 100 strong might, if it should be desired by Her Majesty's Govern- ment, be established in connection with this Association, or otherwise, from among the members of the Civil Service, and the professional, mercantile, and planting communities.
5. Since the above remarks were written, I have been informed that about 100 gentlemen, for the most part belonging to the Civil Service, are willing to be formed into a volunteer rifle company. I have stated that I was unable to accept their services without the previous sanction of the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
6. On consulting the Executive Council, and also the Major-General commanding Her Majesty's troops, I find that the general opinion of the civil and military authorities is in favour of the formation of a volunteer corps of this kind; for it would, in case of need, be able to give valuable assistance to the present weak garrison of only 380 officers and men of all arms. following conditions should be imperative :---
It is thought, however, that the (1.) That the proposed company should consist of not more than 150 volunteers, embodied under
* Inclosures 2 and 3.
+ Inclosure 3.
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Appendix No. 4.
MAURITIUS.
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