2
Page 411
Even though they are not British subjects, it would probably be inadvisable to include them among the persons to be sent away.
In paragraph I of the Scheme it is proposed that a few of the soldiers' wives who have no children might be retained for washing, nursing, &c. It is suggested that Commanding Officers should keep lists of those willing to remain, whom it would be desirable to retain for these purposes.
The desirability of sending to England the aged and infirm inmates of charitable institutions like Gavino's Asylum as well as the lunatics should be considered.
It is not clear why the Postmistress is included in the Scheme among the persons to be sent to England. Were she to stay, she would probably be of great assistance to the officer whom it might be necessary to put in general charge of the postal arrangements.
5. As regards (iii) the proposals contained in paragraphs 12, 18, and 14, with reference to assisting persons not required in the Fortress to leave it are concurred in. If Spain is not hostile the migration will have to be directed to Linea, though it is recognized that this will result in temporary shortness of supplies at that place, and that it may be advisable to allow persons moving out to take more than one day's provisions with them. If Spain closes her gates the migration should be directed mostly to Morocco, and it is recom- mended that the Governor should now be placed in communication with the British Minister at Tangier with a view to the latter considering what action it might be necessary for him to take in the event of a large number of refugees arriving in Morocco on outbreak of war. It is undesirable that a greater number of persons than is absolutely necessary should be sent to England in such a case.
6. As regards (iv) the proposal in paragraph 11 of the Scheme that Her Majesty's Government should publicly notify in London newspapers that no person not in Her Majesty's service will be allowed to enter Gibraltar, and should warn steam-ship Companies against embarking such persons for Gibraltar, is concurred in by the Colonial Defence Committee, who suggest that a record be made at the Colonial Office for such action to be taken when the necessity for it arises.
The Committee also concur in the proposal that orders should be given locally to prevent persons that have left the Fortress from returning to it unless their services are required.
7. As regards (v) the Committee understand that the Order in Council to be brought into operation in Gibraltar in case of war or immediate anticipa- tion of war, referred to in paragraph 11 of the Governor's covering letter, will shortly come before Her Majesty's Privy Council. The draft Order, which has been approved by the Colonial Office, the Admiralty, and the War Office, gives the Governor all necessary powers for the regulation of the civil population which will remain in the Fortress in war.
The proposals as regards police, sanitary services, and retention of civil employés, contained in paragraphs 17, 18, and 19 of the Scheme, are generally concurred in.
8. In paragraph 6 of the Scheme reference is made to notifications which the Governor of Gibraltar will await before putting the Scheme of Defence partially or wholly into force. The action proposed to be taken on receipt of notifications 1 and 2 is concurred in, and simultaneously corresponding action will of course be taken with regard to the military portions of the Scheme. The notifications that will be sent to the Governor will be in the form com- municated in Lord Knutsford's Circular despatch, dated the 2nd July, 1891, and a specific reference to this despatch should be made in Part III of the Scheme, under heading "General measures to be taken," to insure the simple code laid down in the Circular being at once understood on its receipt.
Harbour Regulations.
9. Paragraphs 21, 22, and 23 of the Scheme deal with the disposal in war of the hulks at the north end of the harbour, and of the coal, petroleum, and merchandize on board them. The Colonial Defence Committee are informed that the Naval Commander-in-chief considers that the coal should be landed
Page 411
Page 411