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(B.)-Mine-fields and Friendly Channels.
Paragraphs 1 to 3 inclusive contain directions which have been followed in our Scheme of Defence.
Paragraphs 4 and 5, dealing with approval of plans of mine-fields and the nature of mines used, would appear to apply to ports in the United Kingdom, Crown Colonies, and Imperial coaling-stations.
Paragraphs 6, 7, and 8 are, where applicable, embodied in our Scheme of
Defence.
Paragraph 9 is important, and will require the provision of from four to six Q.-F. guns.
(C.)-Torpedo Boat Attacks.
Paragraph 1. A narrow, enclosed, defensible anchorage is not possible in our outer anchorage, and the defence here must be of the same nature as the attack.
To defend an "inner sheltered anchorage," which, in our case, must be the Port River, would be comparatively easy with floating obstructions, Q.-F. guns, and an electric light; and paragraph 4 emphasizes the importance of providing Q.-F. guns for this defence.
(D.)—Electric Lights.
The directions under this heading, although easy of adoption for the "inner sheltered anchorage" of Port Adelaide River approach, are not applicable to the wider area of the outer anchorage, where the electric light would have to be used, if required, from a small vessel specially fitted for this service from the shoal north of the lighthouse.
(E.)—Modification of Heavy Armaments.
Paragraphs 1 to 3 emphasizes my recommendations for the conversion of the "Protector's" armament.
Paragraph 4. Sites for Q.-F. batteries on the river can be selected extremely favourable to both efficacy of fire and protection.
I have, &c. (Signed)
W. R. CRESWELL.
To the President of the
Local Defence Committee.
Sub-Enclosure 2.
Sir,
Largs Bay, July 1, 1896. I HAVE the honour to report as follows upon Confidential Report XIX issued by the "Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence.”
This Report, it is intended, should be read with Report IX of December 1893, and presumes that the Schemes of Defence, formed on the general principles recommended in the latter, have been completed and approved by the Secretary of State for War and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Report XIX now proceeds to recommend how and when the directions contained in Report IX should be put in force, so that the trade and commerce so vital to the interests of the Empire may not be unnecessarily impeded.
This is an important Report, and considerably qualifies its predecessor. The Committee recommend that the Traffic Regulations should not, as a matter of course, be put in force at all ports upon the commencement of hostilities, and the time after the declaration of war when this should be done must "
vary with the distance of the port from the base of the enemy," and other conditions which the Report sets forth.
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