1. Defences existing.-Nothing is needed
2.
Revision for heavier guns 3. Defences for formation of port of refuge
4.
37
for depôt port denied to an enemy
* Includes 83,4001. for barracks.
October 20, 1880.
183
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Trincomalee. Colombo.
Galle.
£
£
£
27,996
12,810
2,562
224,260* 77,990
47,307
91,865+
+ Includes 18,8001. for barracks.
(Signed)
(Signed)
C. H. NUGENT.
T. L. GALLWEY, Inspector-General of Fortifications.
DIEGO GARCIA.
No. 59.
Appendix No. 4.
Sir,
Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.
Downing Street, August 31, 1881.
I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, to be laid before the Royal Commis- sion on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, a copy of a letter from the Admiralty, covering copies of a Report on the suitability of Diego Garcia for a coaling or refitting station, and on its defensive capabilities.
Inclosure 1 in No. 59.
Admiralty to Colonial Office.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
(Confidential.) Sir,
Admiralty, August 24, 1881.
WITH reference to my letter of the 3rd May last,* respecting the proposed visit of Her Majesty's ship "Eclipse" to Diego Garcia, one of the Chagos Islands, I am commanded by my Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty to transmit herewith, for the perusal of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, printed copies of Reports which have been received from Captain E. St. J. Garforth, com- manding Her Majesty's ship "Eclipse," and Major R. Barton, of the Royal Engineers, on the suitability of Diego Garcia for a coaling or refitting station, and on its defensive capabilities.
2. This visit was made in view of your letter of the 14th March last, and, as the information respecting it was required for the use of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, my Lords desire me to transmit extra copies for the consideration of the Commission.
3. Copies of the Reports have been sent to the War Office.
Inclosure 2 in No. 59.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT HALL
DIEGO GARCIA.
(CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO-INDIAN OCEAN.)
Reports on its Suitability for a Coaling or Refitting Station, by Captain Edmund St. J. Garforth, R.N. (H.M.S." Eclipse"), dated July 7, 1881; and on its Defensive Capabilities, by Major Robert Barton (Royal Engineers), dated June 28, 1881.
(Confidential.)
Sir,
Eclipse," at Trincomalee, July 7, 1881.
IN pursuance of instructions contained in your sailing orders of the 16th May, 1881, directing me to proceed to the Island of Diego Garcia and report→→→
(a.) As to the facilities for protecting the anchorage and any coal depôt or refitting naval station which may be established there against the attack of a small squadron ;
(b.) To verify the soundings shown in our chart of the entrance of the lagoon and anchorage;
2. I have the honour to inform you that, having embarked Major Barton, R.E., which officer had been selected to accompany us, I left Trincomalee on the 26th May, and arrived at Diego Garcia on the 15th June, 1881.
*Inclosure 3 in No. 8, Appendix No. 1, First Report. Inclosure 2 in No. 6, Appendix No. 1, First Report.
CEYLON.
108
DIEGO GAZGIÁ.
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