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11. The question of submarine mine defence is not satisfactorily treated. Suggested additions and improvements do not form part of a scheme of defence. Tables should, as at other stations, be drawn up stating the work to be under- taken in due order, and the men employed. As regards Colombo, the pro- vision of submarine mine defence for this port should be raised as a separate matter, and would then receive due consideration.

12. The water supply of Trincomali requires further consideration. It should be ascertained whether scarcity would exist when the increased garrison is established there, whether an increase of supply could be obtained, or whether the regulation of the supply would be necessary.

13. The danger referred to in section 33 (p. 19) appears to be essentially one to be met by the movable armament, which is specially provided for such purposes.

Turning to the questions raised in the covering letter of the Governor, the Colonial Defence Committee desire to make the following remarks :-

(a.) With regard to the proclamation of martial law (paragraph 4), the question of providing the Governors of all Crown Colonies with powers sufficient to enable them to deal with a state of war is under consideration.

(b.) It has been decided that no attempt shall be made to remove or destroy the undefended coal at Galle, except on the requisition of the Senior Naval Officer on the Station. In the improbable event of this measure being decided upon, the duty would fall upon the Governor, as Sir A. Havelock states.

The difficulty of destroying or moving so large a quantity of coal is fully recognized; but coal afloat could be sunk, and at least the facilities for coaling ships might be reduced as much as possible if the Senior Naval Officer should consider it desirable. It has been decided by the Law Officers of the Crown that coal belonging to British subjects and to foreigners (if the matter is not controlled by Treaties) may be acquired or the sale restrained if the measure is taken "for the preservation and defence of the Realm against the Queen's enemies." The question of compensation would have to be determined when the case arose.

(c.) With regard to paragraph 6, the Colonial Defence Committee consider, as pointed out in their Memorandum of the 1st November, 1886, that the opinion of the Admiral commanding on the station, or of a qualified naval officer, should, if possible, be obtained before any Colonial scheme of defence is transmitted.

The Colonial Defence Committee recommend that a copy of their Remarks should be forwarded to the Governor of Ceylon, who should be asked to lay them before the Local Committee, with a view to a revision of the scheme in the direction indicated. The main object to be attained is the provision of a statement of all measures, which could be taken with existing resources, in the event of war. Thus the full requirements of every measure which could be taken should be considered and laid down in advance. A scheme so prepared will not fetter the free action of the General Officer in the event of war, but will insure that all the available resources of the Colony shall be smoothly and rapidly brought to the aid of its defence.

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

(Signed)

May 6, 1892.

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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.~9/5/92.

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Page 128 Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. May 1892.