2.
16
hot attochis
4. The fact that the Military Authorities have not
examined this question more closely during recent years may be attributed to the understanding that Your Excellency's Govern- ment would be able to implement their undertaking to reprovide the Kennedy Road Magazines in a more favourable site. Had I
received an assurance that this course would be pursued at the same time as, or shortly after, the evacuation of Kelletts Island, the need for the retention or diversion of the ropeway would not have arisen. Your Excellency's letter of 24th
January, 1935 (Secret.
No.869/29) however, indicated that
the prospects of a favourable opportunity for this reprovision- ment were at that time very remote, and I understand that the situation is unaltered at the present date.
5. I understand that the handing over of the Arsenal Yard to the Colonial Government on the completion of the reprovision- ment on Stonecutters Island is expected to take place in June 1937. Consequently, the War Department is expected at that time to evacuate Kelletts Island and to take over the Kennedy
Road Magazines now occupied by the Royal Navy. I must emphasize
that on the removal of ammunition from Kelletts Island to the
Kennedy Road Magazines, the provision of access to the latter
Magazines is an essential factor in the defence of the Colony.
6. I have had under review, therefore, the possibility of the construction of a road or roads which will give access to the Kennedy Road Magazines. I am assured by my Chief Engineer that this is practicable from an Engineering point of view. From a Transportation point of view the construction of the road offers considerable advantages over the retention or diversion of the ropeway. It has not yet been possible to
arrive at an approximate estimate for the construction of the
road or roads, but I understand that the sum will not exceed
the sum estimated for the diversion of the ropeway, namely:
£5,000.
I attach for your Excellency's information a tracing showing the suggested lay-out of the roads.