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(Confidential.) Sir,

17

No. 35.

Colonial Office to Admiralty.

Downing Street, April 10, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to request that you will inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that it appears from a telegram* received from the Governor of the Straits Settlements that there is at present in Singapore about 70,000 tons of coal undefended.

Measures are now being taken by the War Office for the supply to this Colony, in common with others, of certain guns, and for the erection of temporary works to receive them; and, in the meantime, the Governor has been instructed to consult with the naval and military officers on the station as to the defensive measures which he could imme- diately take in case of necessity. Sir Michael Hicks Beach loses no time in informing the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of the circumstances, with a view to their dispatching, if possible, such additional ship or ships as their Lordships may consider requisite for the better protection of this important station.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

No. 36.

R. H. MEADE.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Colonial Office to Admiralty.

Downing Street, April 10, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a Report of the Colonial Defence Committee,† containing the expression of their opinion with regard to the defences of the naval station of Esquimalt, an important commercial town and harbour of Victoria.

2. Sir Michael Hicks Beach understands that for some time past their Lordships have been in communication with the War Department respecting such armament as is deemed necessary for the defence of this naval station. If, therefore, their Lordships are of opinion that Esquimalt should be treated (as Simon's Bay) as an Imperial station, they will no doubt confer with the Board of Treasury and War Office as to the effect to be given to the recommendations of the Committee, and Sir Michael Hicks Beach will be prepared to seek any assistance which the Dominion can fairly be expected to render, and, if requested, he will urge the Canadian Government to supply from that proportion of their militia force which is embodied a sufficient force of infantry and artillery to man and protect the works, as it appears likely that in any scheme of land defence for Esquimalt provision will necessarily have also to be made for the protection of Victoria, the two places being in close juxtaposition.

3. Sir Michael Hicks Beach will be glad to be informed, as soon as possible, of any resolution which their Lordships may see fit to adopt, so that he may communicate, if necessary, with the Governor-General of Canada on the subject.

I am,

&c.

R. H. MEADE.

(Signed)

No. 37.

Colonial Office to Admiral Sir A. Milne, Bart., G.C.B.

(Secret and Confidential.)

Sir,

Downing Street, April 11, 1878.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Colonial Defence Committee, a copy of a despatch from Governor Maxse, inclosing a return of guns, &c. in store in Heligoland.‡

2. The return was sent in original to the War Office in a letter from this Department dated the 8th February,* but the Committee will no doubt be able to obtain a copy from that Department if they desire it.

* No. 21.

+ Miscellaneous, No. 35B.

‡ No. 32.

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