CAB7-1 — Page 233

Page 233

41

The Committee observe that the garrison ordinarily maintained in Malta comprises a brigade of artillery, about 1,000 strong, with about 350 Maltese Fencible Artillery; two companies and a submarine mining detachment of Royal Engineers, about 225 men; and five battalions of infantry, about 3,500 strong.

To bring this garrison up to the war strength would require about 650 artillery, and from 4,000 to 5,000 infantry, which would be a serious drain upon the British army if involved in war.

The Committee observe that the Governor considers that there may be difficulties in the way of raising the force in the manner indicated by him, but considering the rate of wages prevalent among the natives, it would seem very desirable that if possible a force should be raised and trained to supplement the British troops; but whether that force should be of the nature of a militia, or of a reserve similar to that now maintained in England, the men of which, after passing through the Maltese Fencibles, should be retained for army service by a small reserve pay, or whether any other plan may be adopted, is a matter which they consider could be best dealt with by the military authorities.

They desire to point out, however, that it would be a great advantage to have a number of acclimatized natives always available for duty in time of war, as they would probably in the hot season conduce greatly to the efficiency of the regular forces by relieving them of a portion of their duties, and thus reducing the number of men out of the ranks from sickness; also, by reason of the position being an island, it may be expected that these reserve men, or militia, whichever form the organization might take, would always be available in time of emergency.

By mixing them up with the regular troops, the Committee think that no risk of the security of this most important station, upon which the supremacy of Her Majesty's fleet in the Mediterranean so greatly depends, would be incurred, and that it is only consistent with the duties of the islanders as a constituent part of the Empire to contribute in their measure to its general defence. Moreover, in the event of war, they apprehend that, in consequence of the island not producing food sufficient for the support of its inhabitants, the provisioning of a large proportion of them would of necessity fall upon the Government, whether they contribute to the defence of the fortress or not.

In conclusion, the Committee desire to refer to a Memorandum by His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-chief, of the 23rd February last, in which, remarking upon the Report of the Inspector-General of Fortifications, he says:-

r

"The raising of an auxiliary local force is of immense importance. I have before this communicated with the Governor, Sir Charles van Straubenzee, on the subject, and concur with him and you in your recommendations, and would gladly see them carried out by the Government. The Malta Fencible Regiment would be an excellent nucleus upon which this auxiliary force might be formed."

›(Signed)

ALEX. MILNE. HENRY BARKLY. J. L. A. SIMMONS.

No. 96.

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

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 14, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Colonial Defence Committee, the substance of two Confidential telegrams received from the Governor of Newfoundland* in reply to the inquiry proposed by your Committee whether his Government will raise a local force, and pay for works and

armaments.

2. I am to request that the Committee will reconsider the subject of the defence of Newfoundland, as their Report appears to have been framed under a misapprehension as to the means of defence already existing. I am also to request to be informed, with reference to the Governor's application for the gift of certain armaments, whether, in the opinion of the Committee, there is any ground upon which it would be proper to class St. John's among the ports whose defence is in a special degree a question of Imperial

interest.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

* Nos. 80 and 81.

Page 233

Page 233

Page 233

Page 233