CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 26

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 3, 1888.

CONFIDENTIAL.

14 R

Report of Local Committee.

CYPRUS.

19

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Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have carefully considered the Report drawn up by the local Committee at Cyprus. This Report cannot be regarded as a "general scheme of defence in sufficient detail to enable it to be put in force without delay," and is rather an outline of possible measures of defence submitted for the approval of the authorities.

Under the circumstances, it was difficult for the local Committee to adopt any other view, since the military position of Cyprus is altogether anomalous. At the present moment, the island is defenceless except as regards the protection which could be afforded by the Mediterranean Squadron, on which an additional responsibility is thrown by its occupation. At the same time, external aggression is probable only if a large British force were concen- trated there. If garrisoned as at present, no military object whatever would be gained by attacking Cyprus beyond the destruction of such stores as may be maintained, and the effacement of the battalion stationed there.

Such a small gain does not appear sufficient to justify any attempt on the island.

On the other hand, if a large force were to be concentrated there, its neutralization for the purposes of war might possibly serve to suggest attack or attempt to blockade.

It seems desirable that the above circumstances should be fully recognized, and that some general decision of policy as to the occupation should be arrived at. If it is intended to utilize Cyprus as a place of arms to be of any value. to the Empire in the event of war with a naval power, it is evidently necessary to create at least one port, and to defend it. Failing this, the embarkation of troops could not be relied upon in the absence of a protecting squadron, and the military advantages of the position practically disappear. If, however, no armament is provided for any of the unprotected ports, it appears impossible to take any measures of local defence against external aggression, and the function of the small garrison maintained is merely that of an aid to the police in the event of internal disorder. The existing police being, as the Committee are informed, fully able to deal with such a case, it appears extremely desirable, in view of the dangerous inadequacy of some of the garrisons of the coaling stations, that the troops should be withdrawn and utilized elsewhere.

Until the above questions have been definitely settled, the Colonial Defence Committee do not consider it desirable to offer any remarks on the proposals put forward by the local Committee. Meanwhile, they consider that the War Office and the Admiralty should be made thoroughly aware of the present condition of Cyprus, and of the possible responsibilities which may there be involved.

1st March, 1888.

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

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PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T, HARRISON.-3/3/88.

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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] Page 27 of 425

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. March 3, 1888.