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4. To work the above guns, however, although I do not doubt that we should obtain, in case of necessity, aid from the Heligoland Volunteer Coast-guard, and perhaps from some others, there are, practically speaking, only the seven men of the Imperial Coast-guard, and who, I presume, will not be withdrawn from the island.

5. It is quite evident that the above force, and indeed armament, is not sufficient to ward off a serious attack, although it is, I trust, quite sufficient to make Her Majesty's small dominion in the North Sea respected against a coup de main by smaller vessels.

6. In the event of hostilities ensuing between Her Majesty and the Emperor of Russia, I would strongly advise that at least forty-five men be sent to this island in addition to the present force of Coast-guard.

7. I fancy that the most effective and economical plan would be to increase the Coast- guard here by the above number, and by such men as have nearly served their time, and are therefore perhaps rather elderly for sea service, and who, for this or other reasons, are not sent on board the fleet. This number (exclusive of the chief boatman) would bring the force up to fifty, one of the men stationed here having died lately and not having been as yet replaced. To this body of men I would propose to add a second chief boatman, leaving the command of the whole, if permissable, under the present chief officer.

8. I need hardly say, Sir, that as regards the above proposition I speak with all due humility, as I am not acquainted with the working of the Coast-guard Service. I can only here again bear testimony to their admirable conduct here, and to the kindness and extreme readiness to oblige which I have always experienced at the hands of the district officers and inspecting commanders of the Hull district.

9. Under any circumstances I would respectfully urge that, in the event of hostilities, some such force should be sent here, for although it is sure that the Russian flag will hardly ever be seen at sea, still Her Majesty's vessels will probably have other things to do than to watch this rock, whilst it is far from the range of impossibility (with the neutral waters of the Eider, Elbe, and Weser close at hand for protection) that a Russian steamer escaping round the Kattegat might not attempt to land a couple of hundred men, backed by artillery probably four times as powerful as our own. We might possibly be able to stop such proceedings, and should at all events try, but I think, Sir, you will agree that the island ought to be made safer against such a contingency. I should also recommend, under such circumstances, that a couple of guns of larger calibre and a Gattling for the protection of the steps should be sent.

10. Presuming that a force of about fifty men is sent to the island, I beg to report that a most fortunate opportunity occurs for the purchase of a house, near the top of the steps leading from the lower town, and which could, at small expense, be converted into officers' quarters, two if necessary, and good accommodation for quite fifty men. The house is of brick and solid, and was sold in bankruptcy; it could now be obtained for the sum of 2501., whilst 150l. more would amply serve for the necessary alterations.

11. This occasion, I beg to suggest, Sir, ought at once to be seized upon, if any intention exists of sending forces here. Lodgings, and particularly where cooking conve- niences are required, are difficult to obtain, and in such cases very expensive.

In addition to this, the house in question would never, owing to the bathing seasons, remain a loss on the hands of the Government after they had done with it.

I have, &c. (Signed)

H. F. B. MAXSE.

No. 33.

War Office to Colonial Office.

Sir,

War Office, April 9, 1878. WITH reference to previous correspondence relative to the formation of a body of militia at Malta, I am directed by Secretary Colonel Stanley to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, an extract from the annual Confidential Report of General Sir C. T. Van Straubenzee, dated Malta, 3rd January last, further recommending that his first proposal on this subject should now be adopted.

Colonel Stanley would suggest, for the consideration of Sir Michael Hicks Beach, that this question should be referred to the Colonial Defence Committee now sitting.

I am, &c.

J. C. VIVIAN.

(Signed)

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