CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 163

SECRET.

65-R

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 1893.

Page 163

SIERRA LEONE.

W. AFRICA.

No. 59.

Defence Scheme revised to September 1892.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the Defence Scheme of Sierra Leone as revised to September 1892.

1. Before proceeding to indicate the points in which the Scheme seems to them susceptible of improvement, the Colonial Defence Committee desire to deprecate strongly the principle contained in the remarks in paragraph 4 of the Governor's covering letter. The Governor states that he sees reasonable objection to the employment of the Colonial steamer for defence purposes, because she is maintained by Colonial funds.

By Colonial Office Regulations the Governor is bound "to repel aggression at all times to the best of his ability." He is responsible for the defence of every part of his Colony, and for this he is bound to utilize to the utmost any resources whatever that are locally available, and are required for its efficient defence. To act on any other principle would be a proceeding open to very serious criticism. Moreover, when, if ever, a hostile attack is made on Sierra Leone, it is not likely that the Colony will take any objection of so petty a character to the full utilization of such means as are at hand to repel it, and even should the objection be taken, it could not be regarded as reasonable.

2. The Scheme, as far as it goes, has been worked out in a very satis- factory manner. There are, however, certain points which still remain to be dealt with, or which require fuller treatment before it can be considered complete.

The action to be taken by the Heads of Departments, including the different branches of the staff, requires to be worked out in detail, and to be systematically recorded in the Scheme. The method in which this and all the other matters to be dealt with in Defence Schemes should be arranged is explained in Colonial Defence Committee's printed Memorandum No. 46, which is in course of circulation to all Colonies and coaling stations.

3. For instance, it is evident that certain action will have to be taken by the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery on the mobilization of the defences, but the Scheme is silent regarding this, and makes no mention of the detailed distribution of the Royal Artillery, or of any of the measures necessary in connection with fighting the batteries, although this forms the most important part of the Defence.

4. Again, with regard to the action to be taken by the Officer Commanding Royal Engineers. It is stated that field works are to be constructed on the Mount Auriol Spur, near Aberdeen Creek, &c.; also extensive clearing of bush is shown to be necessary in paragraphs 59, 69, and 75. The necessary details.

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