CAB7-4 — Page 521

493

Page 521

263

Lord Kimberley desires me, therefore, to request that you will move the Royal Commissioners to favour his Lordship with any observations which they may have to offer on the points adverted to in the Treasury letter.

Appendix No. 7.

AUSTRALIA,

Inclosure 1 in No. 1.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

JOHN BRAMSTON.

My Lord,

Governor Sir W. Robinson to the Earl of Kimberley.

Government House, Perth, January 20, 1882. YOUR Lordship is doubtless aware that the only guns in the possession of the Colony are two 12-pounder breech-loaders (Armstrong), and four smooth-bore nuzzle-loading guns. With these guns we should be almost powerless to defend the port of Freemantle against the attack of any armed vessel arriving here on a filibustering expedition, and it has been suggested to me that, under these circum- stances, and in view of the inability of the Colony to incur much expenditure at the present time on works of defence, Her Majesty's Government might possibly be disposed to assist us by presenting two big guns to the Colony in order to enable us to protect the shipping at Freemantle and the town.

2. Lord Gifford is of opinion that two ordnances, 7-inch, 7 tons, with wrought-iron carriages and dwarf platforms complete in detail, would be sufficient for all our requirements; and as I am informed that guns of the character named are frequently returned to Woolwich from garrisons which are now being supplied with heavier armament, I would respectfully urge on behalf of the Colony that my request may, if possible, be complied with.

3. I would venture to remind your Lordship that, although Western Australia is no longer a Crown Colony in one sense of the term, we are not yet in that position which may be held to throw upon a Colony the sole responsibility of providing for its own defence, and that our isolated and unprotected situation, visited as we are but rarely by any of the vessels on the station, is one which invites attack.

4. Should Her Majesty's Government be pleased to comply with my proposal, I would ask that the guns be sent out with, say, 200 rounds of ammunition by the first suitable sailing-vessel, and on learning from your Lordship that they will be sent, I will make every preparation for placing them in position by convict labour, without cost except for the necessary materials.

5. The manning of the battery could be undertaken by the combined artillery corps here, and I would, in addition, arrange that every infantry volunteer should go through a course of big gun drill as in the regular army. The artillery pensioners resident in the Colony would also be available for instructing and assisting to man the battery on any emergency arising.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

WILLIAM C. F. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 2 in No. 1.

Colonial Office to War Office.

Sir,

Downing Street, March 13, 1882.

I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for the favourable consideration of Mr. Secretary Childers, a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Western Australia,* requesting that two guns may be presented by Her Majesty's Government to the Colony, for the protection of the shipping at Freemantle and Perth.

You will receive two other letters from this Department of this day's date respecting proposed arrangements for the better defence of Freemantle.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

Inclosure 3 in No. 1.

Colonial Office to War Office.

JOHN BRAMSTON.

(Secret.) Sir.

Downing Street, March 13, 1882.

I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for communication to Mr. Secretary Childers, copies of letters received from the Foreign Office and the Admiralty, and of a secret despatchf from the Governor of Western Australia respecting an alleged scheme for a hostile descent upon Free- mantle by a party of pirates or filibusters.

I am to refer you to two other letters which have been addressed to you to-day respecting the defence of Freemantle.

*Inclosure 1.

[1103]

Inclosure 9.

Page 521

I am, &c.

(Signed)

JOHN BRAMSTON.

Inclosures 2 and 13.

6 K

Page 521

Page 521