CAB11-57-2 — Page 65

Page 65

Page 65

51

No. 2.

Sir,

Colonial Office to Treasury.

Downing Street, 15th July 1884.

I am directed by the Earl of Derby to transmit to you the accompanying Parliamen- copy of a letter from the War Office, relative to the steps to be taken for tary Papers defending various stations abroad.

2. Lord Derby is of opinion that the entire cost of the proposed works and armaments could not in any circumstances have been borne by the colonies, and their Lordships will have observed that on the 7th instant the Marquis of Hartington mentioned to the House of Commons the decision on this point, which had been arrived at by Her Majesty's Government-viz., that in two cases, those of the Straits Settlements and Hong Kong, the colonies should defray the cost of the necessary works, Her Majesty's Government contributing the armaments.

Lord Derby is of opinion that action should be taken on these two cases with the least possible delay.

I have &c.,

The Secretary to the Treasury.

R. H. MEADE.

C 4186 of 1884.

No. 3.

War Office to Treasury.

Sir,

War Office, 30th March 1885. With reference to Treasury letter of the 6th instant, on the subject of the defence of coaling stations, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, that in the memorandum on coaling stations, which was considered by the Defence Committee on the 9th August 1883, and generally approved by them, and which has formed the basis of action in dealing with this matter, there were included in the list of coaling stations of primary importance not only those mentioned in their Lordship's letter under reply-viz., Aden, Trincomalee, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Simons Bay; but also Sierra Leone, St. Helena, Mauritius, Jamacia, and St Lucia.

In the memorandum referred to, however, no special provision was made for submarine mining defences, as certain questions in connection with them were then undecided. The sum required for this essential part of the defences was, however, subsequently included in the estimate for minor coaling stations under a separate head.

Before undertaking any works in connection with the defences of these minor coaling stations, it is considered desirable to complete those of the stations which are considered of first importance, and Lord Hartington there- fore would propose to apply the whole of the sum now to be taken for the defence of coaling stations to the works, armaments, and submarine mining defences of the coaling stations of primary importance, including the other stations mentioned above, for which Treasury authority has not yet been given.

I have &c.,

R. H. KNOX.

To the Secretary of the Treasury.

35

Page 65

Page 65

Page 65Page 66