CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 227

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

CONFIDENTIAL.

84-R

(Not for communication to the Colony.)

BERMUDA.

Page 227

BERMUDA. 5.

No. 4819.

Defence Scheme revised to January 1894.

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Scheme lays down at p. 57 that in accordance with Horse Guards' letter 57/General/2535 of 26th April, 1893, demands for 150 rounds per 9-pr. gun of the movable armament will be made by cablegram to the C.G.O. Woolwich on the defences being mobilized.

It is understood that the arrangement contemplated is that, in addition to the 200 rounds per gun of movable armament maintained at the station, a reserve of 150 rounds per gun is to be provided and kept in England, to be demanded only on the occurrence of an emergency.

This arrangement appears at variance with the general principles advocated by the Colonial Defence Committee in examining Defence Schemes, viz., that it can prove of little use for a station to attempt to supply deficiencies at the last moment on the actual occurrence of the emergency that necessitates the mobilization of the garrison; that such deficiencies should be anticipated in peace-time, and that one of the advantages of drawing up a Scheme of Defence is that defects are thus brought to notice in time to allow of their being rectified.

At Bermuda there are eighteen 9-pr. guns as movable armament, and their supply of ammunition on the spot is complete to 200 rounds per gun. In the opinion of the Colonial Defence Committee, this in itself is an ample allowance, and if maintained complete no reserve supply is necessary. If, however, it be decided that an extra supply is necessary, they consider it desirable that it should be kept on the spot. It may safely be assumed that the occasion necessitating the mobilization of the defences will render communication with a station at such a distance from home as Bermuda precarious, and it is more than possible that this reserve ammunition would not reach the station till the need for it was past.

(Signed)

W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

June 25, 1894.

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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-26/6/94.

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