CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 19

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. December 15, 1887.

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CONFIDENTIAL.

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Report of Local Defence Committee.

MONTSERRAT.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the Report drawn up by the local Committee of Montserrat.

Having regard to the absence of local resources, and to the fact that the Governor considers the formation of even the small force recommended by the local Committee to be impracticable, the Colonial Defence Com- mittee consider that the island cannot be defended except by the action of Her Majesty's navy. They desire to point out, however, that the occupation of Montserrat is unlikely to be attempted, as no military or naval advantage whatever would be gained by the operation.

With regard to the suggestion of the local Committee that a system of heliograph communication between Harris' Hill, Montserrat, and Monk's Hill, Antigua, which communication the Governor is of opinion might also be carried on between Montserrat and Redenda, and extended thence to Nevis and St. Kitts, the Colonial Defence Committee consider that the question should be referred to the Admiralty. In the event of the interruption of the West Indian cable, the establishment of heliographic communication between the islands might be valuable for naval purposes.

بید

22 Mauber 1887

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Gs. Clarke ficutly Col? repuce

Committeer

[1732]

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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-15/12/87.

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