CO129-457 - Public Offices - 1919 — Page 630

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to buy up all the land near the harbour entrance on the south-west side of the lagoon. Dr. liyers' land is situated in this area and perhaps this partially explains the very strong attitude the Authorities have always maintained in this matter. It is also not surprising, in view of these intentions, that the Navy Staff Office desire to acquire the property of H.M. Government. This property is situated in the most commanding position on the northern side of the entrance and affords a magnificent view both of the harbour and out to se0. Prom my des- cription it will be seen that Takow is far from being an ideal site for a laval Fort. The low land on the south- west of the lagoon would afford inadequate protection for warships inside, which would be under the direct

observation of hostile craft outside. Moreover the

entrance will probably never be sufficiently wide to admit battle-ships, and the difficulty of making port in bad weather would hamper operations. It is possible, however, that the port might make a fairly useful base for sub- marines and destroyers and there already exists a canal (parallel to and behind the quay and with a depth of 15 feet at low water) which might prove a safe and convenient anchorage for the former craft in all ́ weather. keverting for a moment to the Consulate site, I am sure that, should these plans mature, the Naval Authorities would be most reluctant to allow the property to remain in the possession of a foreign Government, for it is an essential factor in any scheme of the nature indicated,

I have, etc..

(3.) F.D. Butler.

Actine L-

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