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6. The signalling arrangements in connection with the entry of our war- vessels and the examination steamer have not been considered in the Report. The point with which signals would be exchanged should be fixed. With the examination anchorage suggested above in paragraph 4, it seems as if the signal station would best be placed at Rocky Point, in telegraphic communication with Port Royal, which would, presumably, be the post of the officer in charge of the harbour defence.
7. The withdrawal of all mine-fields, except the main mine-field between Port Royal Point and Fort Clarence, is recommended, the main mine-field being strengthened if thought necessary.
8. No additional Q.F. guns are required.
9. A project for a high-angle fire battery for four 10-in. R.M.L. 'howitzers to cover the dead water east of Plum Point is, the Committee are
informed, being at present dealt with on other War Office papers.
10. The Committee are unable to concur in the recommendation for two first class torpedo-boats for patrolling seaward; and the protection of towns and shipping at other ports in the island is sufficiently provided for indirectly by Her Majesty's navy in West Indian waters. It may be observed that there is little likelihood of a hostile cruiser wasting the uncertain time at her disposal, her coal and ammunition, in attacking any of the unarmed outports of the island.
11. The improbability of a boat attack by crossing the Palisades has been dealt with above in paragraph 3. The improved launches for patrolling the inner side of the Palisades are consequently unnecessary.
12. The proposal for an electric light installation at Anchor Wharf is not concurred in. Installations as follows are suggested:-
One (existing) at Victoria Battery, consisting of a fixed beam directed across the entrance towards Fort Clarence, and of a beam capable of being traversed from the examination anchorage round to south.
One at Apostles Battery, consisting of a fixed beam directed on the friendly channel and clear of Port Royal Point, and of one beam capable of being traversed.
Care should be taken not to illumine Victoria Battery.
13. The Harbour Traffic Regulations require more detailed consideration. The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that they should be recon- sidered in the light of the foregoing remarks, and of paragraph 12 of their remarks of May 1893 re guard-boats, and be resubmitted in a detailed and collective form.
(Signed)
W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
August 13, 1894.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY 1. HAERISON.—15,8/94.
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