Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. May 1893.
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CONFIDENTIAL.
54-R
NATAL.
Scheme of Defence revised to September 1892.
N
Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.
THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the Scheme of Defence for Natal as revised by the Local Defence Committee to September 1892.
1. The Colonial Defence Committee note with satisfaction the progress made towards the completion of the defences of the port, and consider that, subject to the following remarks, the revised Scheme is sufficiently complete to meet the present requirements. The points to which the Committee desire to direct attention, and which might receive consideration at the next annual revision of the Scheme, are as follows:-
2. Paragraph 3. An average of seventy rounds per gun can scarcely be considered an adequate provision of ammunition. Making due allowance for the conditions of the case, the supply should be maintained at, at least, 100 rounds per gun.
It is to be remarked that the Scheme makes no mention of small-arm ammunition supply, or of any steps for its distribution.
3. Paragraph 5. The reason given for not interfering with lights, buoys, and beacons is not a good one. They should be left undisturbed for the safety and convenience of our Royal Navy and mercantile marine.
4. Paragraph 4. Even though there are no mine-fields, some regulations would seem desirable for governing the harbour traffic, and for insuring the overhaul of vessels arriving off the port, so that no vessel may enter without a proper permit. This point should be considered in the light of the guiding principles lately communicated to all Colonies in Colonial Office despatch of the 12th May, 1893.
5. Paragraph 6. The necessity for the other look-out stations referred to is a matter to be decided on locally. If necessary, the requisite arrangements should be specified.
6. Appendix (A). It is assumed that the whole of the Imperial troops now quartered in Natal will be available for its defence in time of war, whereas the War Office arrangements are that, in the event of war with a Maritime Power, the British infantry battalion is to be withdrawn to reinforce the Cape.
The Colonial Defence Committee acknowledge that the Local Defence Committee in making this assumption have acted within the actual letter of their instructions, viz., that the Scheme should be framed on "the existing resources of the Colony;" but in the next revision of the Scheme the withdrawal of the line battalion, of which intention the Officer Commanding Troops in Natal has since been informed through the General Officer Commanding at the Cape, should be contemplated.
The point to be considered and arranged for by the Local Committee is what proportion of the Volunteer force it would be necessary, on the outbreak of war, to retain permanently under arms (1) for the protection of Durban, (2) to replace the line battalion withdrawn to the Cape. It seems advisable
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