CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 306

SECRET.

Log-R

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 5, 1895.

ST. HELENA.

24

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ST. HELENA.

No. 17.

Defence Scheme revised to September 1894.

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

(Not for communication to the Colony.)

THE Colonial Defence Committee desire again to direct attention to the insufficiency of the garrison of St. Helena.

The conditions of the case were fully stated in the remarks of the Committee dated the 14th June, 1894, and remain practically the same as on that date. The present effective strength, as shown in the General Return of Regimental Strength for May last, is 206, the full establishment being 210.

The Defence Scheme contemplates reinforcement by 20 Royal Engineers and 220 infantry from England and the Cape respectively, and by an extemporized force of 200 men raised among the inhabitants on declaration of

war.

In the above-quoted Memorandum it was explained why reliance could not be placed on the reinforcements from England and the Cape being on the spot when required, and why it was considered that the extemporized levies were not likely to prove very efficient in repelling an attack, which might come early in a war.

The Local Committee, in forwarding the present revision of the Scheme, suggest, in place of the extemporized levies to be raised in time of war, that a voluntary force should be formed in time of peace, not to be organized as a separate corps with a regular establishment of officers, but to consist (at first at least) only of men to be trained as artillery and attached to the Royal Artillery; such men to receive pay for each drill attended (attendance being voluntary), with a small bounty for a given number of drills within the year, and an additional annual bounty to each man passed as efficient.

The Colonial Defence Committee recommend this suggestion for adoption.. If the arrangement proved a success it would add considerably to the strength of the artillery defence of the island.

With regard to the infantry defence, the Committee urge again most strongly their previous recommendation that at least the present authorized infantry reinforcements (two companies) should be permanently added to the garrison.

(Signed)

July 3, 1895.

[363]

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M. NATHAN, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.-;

-5/7/95.

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