CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 20

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

CONFIDENTIAL.

Report of Administrator.

Q

LABUAN.

19

Page 20

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have considered the reply to their Defence Circular from the Administrator, Labuan. No active measures of local defence are at present possible at this station, which must rely on naval protection solely.

The Committee consider, however, that the "passive resistance" which the Administrator contemplates should not include the destruction of coal, except by direction of the Naval Commander-in-chief on the station. It appears desirable to refer this matter to the Admiralty, and to ascertain whether they would prefer that the destruction of the undefended coal at Labuan should be deferred pending instructions from the Admiral on the station; or that the Administrator should be instructed to cause this coal to be destroyed on the outbreak of war with a Naval Power.

December 22, 1887.

(Signed)

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-23/12/87.

[1733]

Page 20

Page 20