CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 209

SECRET.

78-R

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. April 1894.

GIBRALTAR.

No29

Page 209

GIBRALTAR.

5.

8323.

Report of Local Joint Naval and Military Committee of January 1894.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee concur generally in the proposals of the Local Committee, which appear to be the most that can be done under the circumstances, as, pending the construction of the new harbour, now about to be taken seriously in hand, the port of Gibraltar must be regarded as in a state of transition. The only remarks which they desire to offer are as follows:-

1. Examination of Vessels.-The arrangements of signal communication by night and day between the examination vessel and the Rock require some special consideration; also the question with whom the responsibility of opening fire will rest in the case of a vessel acting in disregard of the examination vessel. As the signal station is at times hidden by the Levanter cloud, there appears to be a necessity for fixing on some alternative signal station, say on Windmill Hill, which will be in communication with the Captain of the Port and with head-quarters, and through the latter with the necessary batteries.

It should also be definitely understood that British war-vessels must not be delayed, and that in their case all that is necessary is for them to make the secret or any prearranged signal. This signal must be answered at

once.

2. Defence Lights.-Two electric installations should be provided, viz. :— (a.) One at the end of the Old Mole, consisting of two fixed beams of 30° divergence to illumine an arc of 60° round from the end of the New Mole.

(b.) One at the end of Rosia Mole, consisting of one fixed beam of 30° divergence bearing along the outer side of the New Mole, and of one beam capable of being traversed to detect any boats attempting to creep up under the cliffs to the south.

3. Heavy Armament and Q.F. Guns.-The Committee are informed that the revision of the armament is at present under consideration by the War Office.

+

(Signed)

May 4, 1894.

[340]

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W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON,-8/5/94.

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