CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 311

SECRET.

D. I. G. F. O For record)

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 10, 1895.

ту

Page 311

ST. LUCIA.

ST. LUCIA.

No. 276.

Report of Local Joint Naval and Military Committee of January 1895.

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

THIS Report is a reply to the Remarks of the Colonial Defence Committee, dated the 13th August, 1894.

Q.F. Guns.

2. The Local Committee propose two batteries of four 3-pr. Q.F. guus on the south side of the Harbour of Castries, in view of the contingency of attack by first-class torpedo-boats suggested by the Colonial Defence Committee.

It is considered that two 12-pr. Q.F. guns would be a more suitable armament for these batteries than four 3-prs. proposed. The exact sites for them will be for consideration of the War Office.

Electric Light Installation.

3. The Colonial Defence Committee concur generally in the recom- mendation of the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee to provide a fixed beam electric light installation; the details will be for determination by the War Office.

Harbour Regulations.

4. With regard to Regulation (1), the Local Joint Naval and Military Committee do not concur with the Colonial Defence Committee's remark that the proposed examination anchorage-a point defined by two bearings- is too limited in extent. They consider that it is sufficient, having in view:

(i.) The small number of sailing-ships likely to enter the Port of Castries;

(ii.) The desirability of confining the searching officers' duties within the smallest limits; and

(iii.) The desirability of having a clear range of fire for the guns at all times.

The Colonial Defence Committee, while still of opinion that the proposed anchorage will be found inconveniently restricted, consider that the final settlement of the matter may be left to the local authorities, who can alter their arrangements in this respect if they are found to be inconvenient.

[389]

Page 311

Page 311