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

CONFIDENTIAL.

81-R

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.

STRAITS.

779.

Defence Scheme revised to September 1893.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE two most important subjects alluded to in the Scheme are the disavantages arising (I) from the absence at Penang of a not inconsiderable fraction of the approved garrison of Singapore; and (II) from the scattered war distribution of the existing garrison entailed by having to hold Tanjong Katong Fort.

1. The first point was formally raised by the Local Committee in the correct way, viz., in a separate communication, in their suggestions of October 1893, and this has enabled the Colonial Defence Committee to advocate their views in a pronounced manner.

They have recently represented the importance of at once taking decided steps towards the withdrawal of the two companies from Penang, and it is hoped that the matter may shortly receive a satisfactory settlement. Pending this they have recommended that the Governor should be instructed that it is his duty in consultation with the Officer Commanding the troops to see that this detachment is recalled to Singapore at the very first menace of war, without waiting for telegraphic permission from home.

2. With regard to the second point it is understood that a proposal has been made to the Colony to permanently abandon Tanjong Katong Fort. If it is accepted a more concentrated war distribution of the garrison will become possible.

3. The other questions raised by the Local Committee in the same paper of suggestions of October last, some of which are again alluded to in the Scheme, were dealt with by the Colonial Defence Committee in their printed Memorandum No. 47 (A) of the 19th January, 1894, and need not be again referred to here.

4. The Colonial Defence Committee have lately had before them the Report of the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee on the minor defences of the harbour, and have furnished their remarks on it direct to the War Office. It is consequently unnecessary to deal with that subject in the present paper.

Certain modifications of the mine-fields, electric defence lights, secondary armament, distant signalling, and Traffic Regulations appear to be desirable, and when the final decision of the Admiralty and War Office is received in the Colony the requisite alterations should be made in the Scheme.

5. Passing to the detailed consideration of the other portions of the Scheme, it is noted with satisfaction that it has been recast in the approved form, and been considerably expanded. Some important points, alluded to in

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