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Appendix No. 4. seeing that within the last twelve months not only has a Russian man-of-war been extensively repaired at Colombo, but they have also been carefully examining the harbour and defences of Trincomalee.

CEYLON.

2. We have noticed that during the same period they have also visited Seychelles and Mauritius.

October 20, 1881.

(Signed)

RICHARD D. KING, Captain, R.N. R. W. S. ROGERS, Lieutenant (T).

Inclosure 7 in No. 57.

Memoranda by Colonel Smart, Commanding Royal Artillery, on the Fortresses of Ceylon, in accordance with Instructions issued to Commission ordered to assemble and make a Report on the necessary Measures for the Defence of certain places in Ceylon, Estimates of Cost, Garrisons required, and the assistance which may be expected from Local Levies.

THE subjects specially directed to be reported on are as follows :-

1. Measures necessary for the defence of Ceylon.

2. On the places where defensive forces should be posted, or defensive works constructed.

3. On the garrisons that would be required at each of such places.

4. On the assistance that may be expected from local levies.

5. On the probable cost of the works and arrangements that are recommended at each place. Before entering upon the above subjects, it is necessary to consider the letter from the " Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.”

In this letter it states as follows:-

Royal

"That the Royal Commission do not anticipate that the defences in any case will be of a large and expensive character, of the nature of a first class fortress, but more that of small self-defensible works, with limited garrisons calculated to repel the attack of a small squadron, such as might possibly evade Her Majesty's fleet, and for the defence of which the local resources will largely contribute."

The information is to be furnished under two heads :-

"1. Under the supposition that the ports are to be used as ports of refuge and refitting.

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2. Under the supposition that they are to be used only as depôts at which ships may take in coals and provisions, while an enemy would be denied their use."

By the above the Commission is limited to the recommendation of small works and small garrisons, and, in the event of a war, it may be safely assumed that the defence of Ceylon would depend on the then present garrison and such assistance as could be given by Tocal levies.

For military purposes Ceylon may be looked upon as a part of India, and no foreign Power would be likely to send an attacking force with a view to attempt holding Ceylon, or any part of it, as long as India remains in British possession. The attack to be guarded against is, therefore, that mentioned in the letter from the Royal Commission, "of a small squadron, such as might possibly evade Her Majesty's fleet."

Of the five questions, two, viz.: (1) "Measures necessary for the defence of Ceylon," and (2) " On the places where defensive forces should be posted, or defensive works constructed," may be considered together.

There are only three ports in Ceylon to be considered-Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee.

Colombo.

Colombo, the seat of Government and the military head-quarters, is the port at which all the trade of Ceylon concentrates. The breakwater now in the process of formation is fairly advanced, and pro- mises to make the harbour one of the best commercial ports in the East. The lines of large mail- steamers now calling at Galle are to make it their rendezvous in the island, and, in consequence, their transhipping station for India, China, and Australia. The security the breakwater will afford during the south-west monsoon will probably still further divert a great amount of the trade from Galle, possibly nearly the whole of it, and it will become a question whether Colombo ought not to be the head- quarters of Her Majesty's fleet at Ceylon.

Colombo, unfortunately, lies low, and has no natural means of defence. It cannot be considered a safe port of refuge and refitting, but can be used as a depôt for taking in coal, stores, and provisions; such resources as Ceylon possesses are to be found at Colombo, and it is the only place in the island where any repairs can be made to machinery. It is difficult to estimate the difference that will be made in the place by the new harbour; it will be sufficient to bear in mind that, by Sir John Coode's proposed plan, the largest ships in Her Majesty's fleet will be able to enter the harbour and ride securely behind the breakwater. Docks will probably be made before long, and undoubtedly the first consideration in the defence of Ceylon must be the defence of Colombo.

Galle.

Galle, a port with an indifferent harbour, situated in the south of the island, lies directly in the fair-way of all trade, and has so far been the point of call for the large lines of mail-steamers. It could be used as a port for taking in coal and supplies, but not of refuge and refitting. As the new harbour at Colombo will probably divert the greater part of the trade from Galle, it would not be advisable to expend much money, if any, at the latter place, until the effect of this diversion of trade is known. Galle, however, lies so directly in the fair line of commerce, that it is probable, in spite of the greater

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