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interval free from interruption, and this, in view of the facilities indicated in the Scheme for rapid concentration on shore at any threatened point, could hardly be counted on.
11. Blocking a channel by sinking vessels in it, as suggested (p. 37) for the defence of Brisbane Water, is an expedient which would only be resorted to in view of imminent danger, and as similar means of defence are proposed for Lake Maquarrie, it may be well to observe that such measures seem to belong more properly to the advanced stage of hostilities than to preparation for defence.
12. In view of the danger of a landing at Cobbler's Beach disclosed at (C), p. 25, it seems desirable that the gorges of the works at Middle Head and George's Heights should be closed. It is not known if the gorges are provided with permanent defence; if not, some defensive arrangement should he improvised to close them.
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13. Exception is taken to the expression "Imperial and Australasian Naval Squadron used at p. 23, as it might be misunderstood. The Auxiliary Squadron is to all intents and purposes a portion of the Imperial Squadron, and is under the control and command of the Naval Commander-in-chief on the Australian Station. Anything, even a phrase, which might tend to the impression that there is any distinction between Imperial and Colonial interests in regard to the ships subsidized by the Australasian Colonies is to be avoided.
14. The use of lighthouses as look-out stations in war-time should be excluded from any Defence Scheme; the fact that they were to be so used would certainly become known, and might well be considered to deprive them of their neutral character. This does not imply that information must not be obtained from lighthouse keepers, but means that they should not ostensibly, or in any recognizable way, be assigned a definite part in the defence. The neutrality of lighthouses is so important to England that the principle should be strictly adhered to as a matter of policy, and war-signal stations be erected where they are strategically required. As a matter of fact, it is very doubtful whether the information to be derived from lighthouses would be of as much value as that from a few well-placed signal stations.
The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that the above remarks should be forwarded to the Governor, for the consideration of the Defence Minister. The set of excellent maps which accompanied the Scheme are retained.
It may be observed that the Scheme should in future be marked Secret, and that, according to the general custom, a Scheme is merely signed by the Local Defence Committee, or by its President. It is unusual to place the President's name on the title-page.
(Signed)
W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
February 28, 1895.
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN QFFICE BY T. HARRISON,-
-28/2/95
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