CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 232

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. June 30, 1894Page 232 of 425

CONFIDENTIAL.

86-R

SIERRA LEONE.

SIERRA LEONE.

No. 67.

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

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

IN view of the existing gun defence, the liability of the harbour of Sierra Leone to attack "by a small French squadron, especially at the com- mencement of hostilities," may be questioned. None but powerful ships would venture to engage heavy shore batteries, and these would hardly be available for such a purpose until, at the earliest, after a decisive and victorious fleet action.

The other form of attack mentioned in the Report, viz., by ships' boats from one or more cruisers lying outside the Middle Shoal, must, however, be regarded as a reasonable probability. It might be made for the purpose described in the Report, especially if any of our war-ships were lying at anchor in the harbour, or in co-operation with a land attack. The most dangerous and probable form of attack to which the station is liable is by a military force coming overland viâ Porto Lokko from the French possessions on the Melikuri River, and dropping down the Creek by night with the object of landing at or east of Foura Bay, and the boat attack might be made simultaneously with a view to retain the garrison in the sea defences and divert attention from the Porto Lokko party. In this case the boats might enter the river by the passage east of the Middle Shoal.

Thus a boat attack by the entrance to the river, or by the east passage, are both cases to be guarded against.

2. Examination Anchorages. The site selected is suitable, but it is suggested that the north and south line forming the eastern limit should be drawn through the look-out station on Signal Hill instead of through Look- out Point, as the prominent end of the hill is a good landmark, and would be visible from the anchorage even at night. Vessels should, however, bring up north of the line, say Free Town Light-house, bearing south-east by east, so as not to mask the fire of King Tom.

The Local Harbour-master is the proper port authority. He will of course require a certain amount of assistance in boarding duties; also it would no doubt be an advantage that the examination launches should be manned by white crews, but it is for the station to say whether these are locally available. It is natural to suppose that some assistance could be given by the Staff of the Customs Department.

The uselessness of patrol-vessels was especially pointed out by the Colonial Defence Committee in their remarks on the Defence Scheme of of Sierra Leone of January 1893. All that is required is an examination vessel, which should be under the control of the port authority, whether a naval force be present or not. It is not necessary to arm these vessels as

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