CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 104

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. January 19, 185age 104 of 425

CONFIDENTIAL.

NOVA SCOTIA. 5.

4753.

Revised Scheme of Defence.

HALIFAX.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee, No. 3.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the scheme of defence of Halifax as revised in accordance with their remarks of the 14th July, 1890. They observe that the scheme as printed has been only partially amended in the copy transmitted by the General Officer Commanding, and they recom- mend that all changes should be embodied, so that the scheme may be reprinted in a final form, subject only to such minor revision as may be annually required.

The suggestions of the Colonial Defence Committee contained in their remarks above referred to have now been carried out, with the exception of those contained in paragraph 11. The question of Transport, Supply, and Ordnance Store services appear to need more adequate treatment. Thus, it is not decided whether transport should be purchased or hired, nor is it definitely laid down what the amount of supplies to be accumulated should be, whether six months', as stated on p. 66, or thirty days' only, as given on p. 68. The laboratory work would necessarily be heavy, as pointed out in the scheme, and it therefore appears desirable that the arrangements for carrying it out should be considered in some detail.

With regard to the specific matters raised in the General Officer Com- manding's letters of the 1st and 7th October, the Committee offer the following remarks:--

1. Affiliation of Halifax Militia to Garrison.-This has been frequently urged, but the scheme drawn up by the General Officer Commanding not having been approved as regards the small sum which it was proposed should be provided out of Imperial funds, the matter now rests with the Government of Canada. The Committee consider that the Colonial Office should be asked to press for a decision. As the General Officer Commanding points out, the existing situation, by which he is precluded from all hold over the training or knowledge of the efficiency of the forces which would form an important part of the garrison of Halifax in the event of war, is extremely unsatisfactory.

2. Utilization of Lighthouses as Look-out Stations.-The Committee point out that the Admiralty letter to which the General Officer Commanding refers, takes cognizance of exceptional circumstances, and that, while it is evidently desirable to avoid giving a belligerent character to lighthouses, expediency alone must determine whether information should not be obtained from them. The question is one which should be dealt with after consultation with the Admiral Commanding on the station.

3. Signalling Officer.-The Committee are unable to recommend that an additional officer should be detailed to Halifax to take charge of signalling and telegraph arrangements. It appears advisable, if possible, to keep this service under the general direction of the officer who has been accustomed to supervise it in peace time, and it is probable that, as regards electrical and line work, assistance could be obtained in time of war from the civil element.

4. Water Supply. The question raised by the General Officer Commanding is of great importance. He points out that as soon as the defending force has been driven in upon their line of defence across the neck of the Halifax Peninsula, the sluice of Long Lake could be opened, emptying this lake to the

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