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In a Memorandum of the 7th July, 1888, forwarded to the Governor of Jamaica, the nature of the scheme of defence required was clearly explained. It was pointed out by the Colonial Defence Committee that "such a scheme when fully matured in consultation with the authorities at home, and amended from time to time, would remain as a permanent statement of the work to be undertaken in the event of war. Thus, not only would new-comers in the command be able to make themselves conversant with the duties which they might be called upon to perform, but Her Majesty's Government would know the steps which were being taken without the necessity for communication at a time when cables might be interrupted and facilities for the interchange of views restricted."

The Colonial Defence Committee, at the same time, stated-" It appears

"It desirable, therefore, in such schemes, to separate all questions of the improve- ment of existing defences and the remedy of existing deficiencies. The scheme should contain a clear and definite statement of the measures proposed to be taken with existing resources on the outbreak of war, and

any suggestions which may occur to the local Committee in regard to the supplementing of existing resources should be dealt with as distinct questions."

The Report under consideration is limited to a statement of existing resources, and to various recommendations for new works. The total available personnel, including the Volunteers and armed police, is considerable; but the local Committee have not considered how this force might be best distributed to meet contingencies capable of being foreseen, or what arrange- ments would be necessary for transporting and supplying it. Nor has con- sideration been given to extemporized works of defence, by means of which some of the points of weakness referred to might be satisfactorily dealt with.

The Colonial Defence Committee do not concur with the views of the Governor as to the indefensibility of the Harbour of Kingston. They point out that-

1. The only probable form of naval attack is that of cruizers, with which the armament now being provided should be able to deal effectively.

2. No system of defence by coast batteries would suffice to secure Kingston from attack by a large expeditionary force landed in its neighbourhood. But as pointed out in their Memorandum of 14th July, 1890, on the general defence of the West Indies, such a form of attack can only be dealt with by Her Majesty's navy. "So long as the command of the sea in West Indian waters can be maintained, territorial aggression in this portion of the world is a practical impossibility."

3. The danger arising from the isolation of Salt Pond Battery will be met by the proposed work on the high ground above it. When this work is completed, the capture of Salt Pond Battery by a landing party should be impossible. In any case, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that it is not correct to state that an enemy in possession of Salt Pond Battery "would command the reverse of every battery and fort in Port Royal," even if it is assumed that the 9-inch guns were not spiked before being abandoned.

The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that a copy of these remarks should be forwarded to the Governor, and that the scheme which has been drawn up for Hong Kong, a Colony presenting conditions somewhat similar to those of Jamaica, should be sent for the guidance of the local Committee. The latter should then be directed to frame a new scheme complying strictly with the instructions contained in Colonial Office Circular Memorandum of the 18th November, 1886, and Colonial Defence Committee Memorandum of the 7th July, 1888.

October 23, 1891.

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

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PHINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. H¿EBIBON.—24/10/91.

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