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The Committee agree that the provision of a small force of mounted infantry is desirable, and they have already pointed out, in their remarks on the local scheme of defence, that an increase of about 450 infantry is required. While they consider that it would be desirable to obtain a small armament to be utilized on the local tugs for patrol purposes, they deprecate the provision of first class torpedo-boats and the raising of a naval force.
South Australia.
The Colonial Defence Committee consider that the small squadron of lancers might with advantage be converted into mounted infantry.
As regards Glenelg Fort, which Major-General Edwards appears to wish to abolish, the Committee understand that the intention of this work was not to provide direct protection for the city of Adelaide. The coast-line is extremely open, and Port Adelaide, which is rapidly growing and will probably before long possess large docks, has no natural advantages for defence. Under these circumstances, the Committee do not regard an armament of four breech- loading guns as excessive, and cannot concur in its reduction. It is, however, a matter for consideration whether the two guns proposed for Glenelg should not be mounted somewhat nearer to Port Adelaide, but separated from each other by a considerable interval. In any case, there appears to be no necessity whatever for creating a large and expensive inclosed work, as the available infantry force should amply suffice to prevent a landing. As they have already stated, the Committee consider that 6-inch guns would be sufficiently powerful; but as the 9-2-inch guns have been provided, it would be advisable to retain them here rather than transfer them to the defence of Princess Royal Harbour, King George's Sound, or to Port Darwin, both of which points will for some years be less in need of the more powerful ordnance. The view put forward that the existence of these guns would legalize the bombardment of Glenelg seems to have no value. Even if all defence were dispensed with, bombardment might still be resorted to, if it were considered that any advantage could thus be obtained.
The Committee are unable to concur in the recommendation of the provision of a "first class torpedo-vessel," which would be very costly in maintenance, entail the creation of a permanent naval force, and be unsuited to colonial conditions.
The question of the defence of Port Darwin has been fully considered by the Colonial Defence Committee, who have pointed out that all present requirements will be met by the provision of a small defence for the landing- place of the cable. Port Darwin may eventually become a considerable com- mercial harbour, and might then claim protection on a moderate scale; but, as a strategic point, it can never assume the importance of Torres Straits. Moreover, the cables from their geographical position are necessarily vulnerable, and must depend mainly for their defence on Her Majesty's navy, so that the protection of the shore ends is relatively of less moment than that of other cables which it would be difficult to injure except at the landing-places.
Western Australia.
The Colonial Defence Committee have already recommended a scheme of defence for King George's Sound, which they consider will meet all present requirements.
As regards Fremantle, they have also recommended the provision of a small defence, the armament for which has been promised by Her Majesty's Government. Major-General Edwards considers that this defence is not at present necessary, and points out that "the battery which it is now proposed to construct might keep off an enemy's cruizer, but it would not be strong enough to prevent several such ships from attacking the town." The Colonial Defence Committee do not consider that a squadron attack is probable, and in keeping off a stray cruizer the work they have proposed would fulfil its requirements.
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