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channels so that they interfere with navigation. The installations should be kept well to the sides.
As to the movable guard-boats proposed for the protection of the mine- fields, and to give notice of the approach of an enemy, the experience of late years has led to the conclusion that such vessels are of little practical value for either purpose, and tend only to embarrass the defence. They are apt to mask the fire of the shore defences, require specially skilful handling, and no satis- factory recognition signals have yet been devised for them. Moreover, it is to be remarked with respect to the first purpose, that the instances are very rare in which foreign cruizers possess the means for, or are in the habit of practising, countermining; and with respect to the second purpose, that in thick weather, or at night, such vessels can rarely, if ever, give even short notice of the approach of an enemy, while in clear weather a more extensive area of water can be overlooked from even moderate heights on shore.
W. PEACOCKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
(Signed)
June 27, 1894.
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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—
-30/6/94.
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