CAB7-1 — Page 138

Page 138

Page 138

153

would be great, and no orders to the contrary would avail in war time; and if not frequently used the officers and crew would probably deteriorate.

Nor do I feel confident that the chance of losing their pensions would deter men from revealing the secret.

If under the present state of affairs it is still considered necessary to arm these Colonies with Whitehead torpedoes, I submit Captain Arthur's proposal be laid before the Colonial Office, and, if approved by them, that he be directed to communicate with the Colonial Office in regard to details. My own impression, however, is that Whitehead torpedoes are weapons requiring so much special knowledge and practical skill in their use that they would probably be found to fail in these Colonies for want of people possessing the requisite knowledge at the critical moment, as casualties might happen to the special crew sent out.

As there is now no emergency, I submit the question may be reconsidered, and whether the simple electric-mechanical contact and Spar torpedo would not be more suitable for Colonial defence.

(Signed)

No. 275.

RT. HAMILTON,

Director of Naval Ordnance.

War Office to Colonial Office.

War Office, August 8, 1878.

(Secret.) Sir,

I AM directed by Secretary Colonel Stanley to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that in compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 23rd ultimo, instructions* have been given to suspend the manufacture of the 64-pounder guns for Canada, referred to in War Office letter of the 18th ultimo.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

F. A. CAMPBELL.

No. 276.

War Office to Colonial Office.

War Office, August 8, 1878.

(Secret.) Sir,

I AM directed by Secretary Colonel Stanley to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that the General Officer Commanding the troops, China and Straits Settlements, has, at the request of the Governor of Hong Kong, permitted the issue, on loan, of the undermentiened arms and accoutrements for the equipment of the Hong Kong volunteer force :-

150 Snider rifles, 150 bayonets for ditto, 150 frogs for bayonets, 150 small ammuni- tion pouches for waist-belts, 2 trumpets and cords, 1 bugle and cord.

As it is presumed that this issue is made in connection with the general scheme of Colonial defence in respect of which armaments are being provided, Colonel Stanley would be glad to be favoured with the opinion of Sir Michael Hicks Beach as to the necessity for the loan of the arms and stores in question.

F. A. CAMPBELL.

I have, &c. (Signed)

No. 277.

The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to the Earl of Dufferin.

(Telegraphic.)

Downing Street, August 9, 1878, 1.10 P.M. EVEN if commenced on receipt of your requisition the guns would not be ready for shipment by October, as they have to be manufactured. But your Government may be led to alter their views on consideration of the Report which is being prepared by the Colonial Defence Committee. As soon as the Report reaches me it will be forwarded.

[793]

* No. 248.

Page 138

2 A

Page 138

Page 138