CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 18

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. December 23, 1887.

Page 18

CONFIDENTIAL.

Report of Local Defence Committee.

SIERRA LEONE.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have carefully considered the scheme furnished by the local Committee of Sierra Leone. This scheme has been very carefully drawn up, and would be valuable if an emergency arose. At the present moment, and until an adequate garrison has been provided, Sierra Leone must depend entirely upon such naval defence as can be afforded. In their Memorandum No. 31 of the 6th December the Colonial Defence Committee have indicated the minimum strength of garrison which they consider should be permanently stationed at Sierra Leone.

As soon as a garrison has been provided, it is desirable that the local scheme of defence should be returned to the station for completion; and the Colonial Defence Committee recommend that the attention of the Governor should be drawn to the following points, which the local Committee should take into consideration in amending their Report

1. The possibility of a native attack on the land side, whether in combination with a European Power or not, should be carefully considered, not merely in relation to tribes near the frontier, but to the more warlike peoples within striking distance.

2. Would it be practicable to obtain the assistance of warlike tribes beyond the frontier, and what measures could be taken to secure this object?

3. The best means of obtaining intelligence of an enemy's movements and intentions, whether by spies from the interior, or by news direct from Bathurst, Cape de Verde Islands, Senegal, &c., should be considered. Such information would be desirable before as well as after a declaration of war, and after communication between the above stations and Europe had been interrupted.

4. The local Committee should consider the best means of utilizing the available medical service.

5. If practicable, provision should be made for extinguishing fires in Freetown.

December 22, 1887.

(Signed)

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

[1725]

Page 18

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICR BY 7. HARRISON. ----

.—23/12/87.

Page 18

17