CAB7-1 — Page 256

Page 256

(Secret and Confidential.)

Sir,

64

No. 136.

Colonial Office to War Office.

Downing Street, May 29, 1878.

IN their report on Newfoundland inclosed in the letter from this Office of the 30th ultimo,* the Colonial Defence Committee recommended, in addition to supposed existing means of defence, two 7-ton guns, costing 2,000l., and works costing 1,2007. They also recommended the enrolment of a local force and the loan of a few officers for the purpose of organizing it. In reply to the inquiry whether the Colonial Government was prepared to undertake the expense of the additional batteries and armament, and to provide the local force recommended by the Committee, the Governor has stated that on the withdrawal of the Imperial garrison the fortifications were dismantled and all the guns removed with the exception of two unserviceable 32-pounder guns. He adds that the Colonial Government will be prepared to raise a force of 1,000 infantry and 100 artillery, and he inquires whether Her Majesty's Government will grant three heavy, three light, and six mounted guns, 1,000 stand of arms, 100 Sniders, and a nucleus of gunners. He adds that there are six 64-pounder guns at Halifax ready to be shipped subject to the sanction of the Secretary of State for War. I am to inclose copies of the Governor's telegrams.+

2. In a further report, of which I am to inclose a copy, the Colonial Defence Committee express the opinion that the six mounted guns are unnecessary; but in view of the removal of the old guns, of which they were not aware when their previous report was drawn up, they now recommend that three 7-ton and three 64-pounder guns should be provided, instead of only two 7-ton guns, as at first proposed. They also advise the loan of the six 64-pounders guns from Halifax until the other guns can be provided.

3. I am accordingly to request that you will move the Secretary of State for War to give immediate directions for the shipment of the six 64 pounder guns, complete with the necessary ammunition, from Halifax, unless they are required for the defence of that place, and to consider the necessary steps for providing the small arms and accoutrements, amounting in number to 1,100, and the nucleus of gunners asked for by the Governor, together with the organizing officers recommended by the Committee.

4. With regard to the permanent armament now recommended by the Committee, I am to point out that their original recommendation rested upon the assumption that there were already in the Colony one 13-inch mortar, seven 68-pounder, and fourteen 32-pounder guns, all which might have been available for defence. Sir Michael Hicks Beach understands that on the withdrawal of the Imperial troops, the guns in Canada were made over as a free gift to the local Government; but, as on the like occasion the guns in Newfoundland were taken away, and as their value would, it is presumed, exceed that of the three 7-ton and three 64-pounder guns now recommended by the Committee, he is of opinion that it would only be fair that the last-named guns, with the small arms and accoutrements, should be presented to the Colony; and I am to add that if the Secretary of State for War concurs in this proposal, Sir M. Hicks Beach, on learning the total cost to be incurred, will be prepared to recommend it to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury.

I am,

R. H. MEADE.

(Signed)

&c.

No. 137.

The Right Ilon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart,, to the Governors of Hong Kong, Ceylon, Straits Settlement, and Mauritius.

(Secret.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 29, 1878.

A COMMITTEE, consisting of Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, General Sir Lintorn Simmons, and Sir Henry Barkly, having been appointed to consider the measures desirable for the defence for the Colonies in the event of war, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of their Report on Hong Kong [Ceylon: Straits Settlements: Mauritius, together with a copy of a correspondence, from which you will learn the steps which are being taken to give effect to their recommendations. A further communication will be made to you as to the proportion of the expenditure to be borne by the Colony.

I have, &c. (Signed) M. E. HICKS BEACH.

‡ No. 119.

* No. 61.

Nos. 80 and 81.

§ Miscellaneous, No. 35.

Page 256

Page 256

Page 256