CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 118

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 1892.

SECRET.

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.

Revision of Defence Scheme to September 1891.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee, having considered the Scheme of Defence of Singapore as revised to the 30th September, 1891, offer the following remarks :--

1. They agree with the Colonial Engineer that it is not necessary to acquire the new sites referred to p. 4, except that of Mount Wallich and a site to the north of Passir Panjang, if it should be determined to establish position-finding stations for the guns of Fort Palmer and Passir Panjang. Detailed plans, with schedules of labour, tools, and time, should, however, be prepared so as to enable any positions essential to the defence to be rapidly strengthened by field works.

2. Although, as pointed out by the Local Committee, the available trans- port at Singapore is sufficient for all demands likely to be made upon it, the preparation of a schedule, detailing all the requirements involved in the Scheme of Defence, should be prepared. Such a schedule should include provision for the water transport necessary for the conveyance of troops and stores on mobilization, and for the subsequent maintenance of communications.

3. In the Table of distribution, the two companies of infantry for Penang and the 350 Sikhs for Perak are included. It seems desirable to add a provisional scheme of distribution which could be put in force previous to the arrival of the troops in question.

The Table of distribution (Appendix A) might be conveniently rearranged so as to follow the grouping given on p. 3. The addition of a Table giving the distribution by corps would also be advantageous.

4. The proposed construction of a boom across the Sinki Strait appears a measure of doubtful utility. Experience has shown that much time, labour, and expense is required to make a boom capable of withstanding a torpedo- boat, and larger vessels could not, in any case, be thus obstructed.

5. As regards all the defensive works contemplated in the Local Standing Orders (Appendix V), a detailed statement of the labour, tools, material, and time should be prepared, as already pointed out by the Colonial Defence Committee in section 5 of their remarks dated the 25th June, 1891.

6. As pointed out in section 7 of the same Memorandum, fuller treatment of the measures required in laying out the mine-fields is much required. Thus it would evidently be desirable to lay out a preliminary defence, to be subse- quently completed as time allows. In such a matter as mine defence, it is possible to lay down all necessary measures in advance with greater precision than is practicable in other cases.

7. With regard to the recommendation on p. 2 that two additional steam- launches should be provided in time of peace, the Colonial Defence Committee point out that the number of small local steamers is considerable, and that at any time of emergency there would be no difficulty in obtaining their services. Thus

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