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8

(9.)

(Secret.)

M-029.) Sir,

Admiralty, March 9, 1911. WITH reference to your letter, No. Western 5/196 (M.T.-1.) of the 5th January last, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Army Council, that the ports of Swansea, Briton Ferry and Port Talbot are to a certain extent important to the Navy in that they are included amongst the ports in South Wales from which the supply of coal to His Majesty's ships is made. An attack upon these ports is not, however, considered probable in view of the action of His Majesty's cruisers, and of the geographical and navigational conditions of the Bay of Swansea.

It is considered that interference with the supply of coal to His Majesty's ships is more likely to be attempted by means of employment of secret agents to damage the mouths of coal pits, pit machinery, railway communications, &c., and by the capture of colliers at sea, rather than by a direct attack on the ports.

In the circumstances my Lords are of opinion that the existing armament of two 4.7-inch guns may be regarded as sufficient deterrent against class “C” attack.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

C. I. THOMAS.

The Secretary, War Office, S.W.

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