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Appendix No. 4. thick layer of sand or earth.

proof, and secure against fire.

(2.) The tunnels cut in the emergency, say 100 more.

HELIGOLAND,

50

Although not actually shell-proof, these rooms would be splinter- Accommodation might thus be afforded to some 300.

rock behind the brewery for stores could be utilized to shelter, on an

(3.) The remaining 1,000 would find their best protection by sheltering in the three large hollows between the town and the north point. They are well away from the town, and in them any sheds, field casemates, or other shelter that could be improvised, would be hidden from view and be reasonably safe (vide sketch*).

On the west side the island is so much higher than on the east, that the town is hidden, and, to a certain extent, protected by the rise in the ground.

I have now put down all the points that have occurred to me on this subject, but have not, for want of time, been able to go into the technical details, estimates, and plans, necessary for the execution of the batteries.

22. I would only remark that a foundation on rock appears to be generally possible at a depth not exceeding 3 feet to 4 feet, the surface soil being a stiff red clay.

The strata dips at an angle of 15 degrees from west to east, and, owing to the shaken nature of the cliff, I do not consider it would be safe for guns or heavy weights to be placed nearer than about 20 yards to 25 yards from the cliff. In placing the guns, I should lower the platforms on to the rock and cut away the hill in front to the required depression, the earth so obtained being formed into a solid traverse between each gun.

SIERRA LEONE.

I have, &c.

Signed)

E. D. C. O'BRIEN, Major, R.E.

SIERRA LEONE.

No. 4.

Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad.

Downing Street, March 23, 1882.

Sir,

I AM directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, to be laid before the Royal Com- mission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Sierra Leone, inclosing the Report of the local Committee appointed to consider the question of the defence of that Settlement, and I am to request to be furnished with the usual number of printed copies of the accompanying despatch and Report.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE,

Inclosure 1 in No. 4.

(Secret.) My Lord,

Governor Havelock to the Earl of Kimberley.

Government House, Sierra Leone, February 25, 1882. IN compliance with the instructions conveyed in your Lordship's Circular despatch of the 23rd August, 1881,† marked Secret, I have caused a Report on the measures thought necessary for the defence of Sierra Leone to be prepared by a local Committee appointed by me for the purpose. The Com- mittee was composed of Major White, 1st West India Regiment, Mr. Compton, Navigating Lieutenant Royal Navy (Retired), and of Captain Jackson, Royal Artillery, Inspector-General of Police. I now have the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of the Report.

2. It seems to me that the Committee have dealt with the question before them in a practical and efficient manner. Their recommendations, in the points in which they differ from the scheme set forth in the printed Memorandum inclosed in the War Office letter of the 25th February, 1881,§ and which accompanied your Lordship's despatch under acknowledgment, appear to me judicious and based on good grounds. The Committee are of opinion that the defences proposed by them would not entail a larger expenditure than that estimated for the construction of the works described in the Memo- randum above referred to.

3. With regard to the assistance which may be expected from local levies, a point upon which the Committee have not touched, I have the honour to state that, for purposes of defence against attack or invasion by a civilized enemy, and especially a sudden and unexpected attack or invasion, no reliance could be placed on the assistance of such levies.

* Not printed.

+ Inclosure 2 in No. 2 A.

I have, &c. (Signed)

A. E. HAVELOCK.

§ Inclosure 1 in No. 6, Appendix No. 1, First Report.

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