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Appendix No. 9. harbour of refuge in emergency, or for making a diversion, or possibly a raid, against the railway,
which, however, is 80 miles off. It is unsuited for a main operation.
NETHERLANDS.
The fourth class blockhouse at Padjitan is retained.
There is a garrison: the Padjitan company of 60 men.
We make an exception in mentioning a place not fortified or occupied on the south coast, viz.:- Wijnkoops Bay. In the old discussions it is generally assumed that the uncertainty of the anchorage, although there is in some winds fair shelter, would render it unlikely that this bay should be adopted as the scene of operations; but it is as well to point out that the bend in the new railway, west of Soekaboema, is within 20 miles-a forced march of the bay; and either for severing It is unnecessary to the line or making use of it, the position of Wijnkoops Bay is a favourable one. point out the possible combinations which might arise in the attack on Batavia in connection with such a diversion.
We conclude this short review of the coast places of Java with the proposal of an able Dutch critic for the occupation by permanent garrisons, in addition to the great central field army or armies, in the event of war :-
Western forts, Anger, &c.
Batavia..
编
(This includes maritime position which we have given reasons for ignoring, but, on
the other hand, Tanjong Priok was not then created.)
Cheribon, with Indramajoe..
..
Samarang, treated as in close connection with main field army Soerabaia
Madura (Bangkalang and Sumanap)
Pasoroean
Probolingo
Bezoeki
Banjoewangi
Tjilatjap..
West Tjilatjap, Banting, Mattie
350 1,250
200
Nil.
··
5,000
70
30
40
40
60
650
100
The Defences and Garrisons of the Stations in the outer Islands.
Agreeing with the axiom laid down by Dutch writers, that the Dutch East Indies can only be conquered in Java, we shall make our account of the outer islands as brief as their great number and extent will permit.
The Straits of Sunda are, no doubt, capable of being made very strong by a sufficient expenditure, and their complete defence has formed a portion of most general schemes, but nothing has been done or attempted in this direction.
Lampongs.
On the Sumatra shore, opposite Java, the 1860 List contained the following forts :-
Fourth Class.
1. Redoubt at Telok Betong.
2. Redoubt at Kalimbang.
3. Redoubt at Tjampakka.
4. Redoubt at Tjandjong.
All have since been disclassed, but No. 1 has been replaced by a defensible military building.
Garrison The Lampong garrison company of eighty men.
The southern extremity of Sumatra seems a suitable place for a depôt to supply the fleet intended to harass the Straits of Sunda. Her also the cable from Java crosses, leaving Java at Anger, and landing at Telok Betong.
Telok Betong is a Government coaling-station.
Naval Guard.-River steamer with four guns.
The Telok Betong division has one first-class haven, Telok Betong; two second, Menggala and Kalimbang.
Benkoelen.
This portion of the Sumatra West Coast has one first class haven, Benkoelen; and two second class, Moko-Moko and Kroe.
In the 1860 List Benkoelen had one third-class fort, Fort Marlborough, at Benkoelen, which is still retained.
Garrison.-200 men of Local Garrison Company. There is a detachment at Kepahiang. Artillery.-A portion of 19th Garrison Artillery Company.
Naval Guard.-1 armed cutter.
West Coast of Sumatra.
This division has first class havens, Padang, Siboga, Baros, Sinkel; second class, Priaman, Ajer- Banngis, Natal; and smaller unclassed, Painan, Poeloetelloe, and Goenong-Sitoli on Nias.
In the 1860 List there were the following forts:--
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