CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 318

SECRET.

114-R

Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. August 1895.

Page 318

GIBRALTAR.

GIBRALTAR. 5.

8511.

Defence Scheme revised to April 1895.

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

(For communication to the Colony.)

Covering Letter of the Governor,

THE covering letter letter draws attention to the present Scheme, differing from that submitted on the 24th September, 1891, in three essential par- ticulars :-

(i.) In the substitution of the Line Wall for the Queen's Road as the ultimate line of resistance.

(ii.) In the continued occupation of the North Front, and in the proposal to seize Linea.

(iii.) In the proposal to leave transport animals, forage and food supplies in the hands of their present owners, the Fortress authorities to supply the wants of the garrison by purchase in the usual way.

2. As regards (i), the Governor assigns as his reasons for the change-

(a.) The fact that the troops of the defence massed along the Queen's Road would be debarred by the configuration of the ground and by existing obstacles from taking the offensive and repelling an attack with the bayonet; and

(b.) The cover which an enemy who had effected a landing on the west side of the Fortress (Line Wall) could obtain in the town, gardens, and batteries in this part.

To these might be added the bad moral effect of the defenders retiring up the Rock, and the fact that it might put it within the power of an enemy to open the Landport gate of the Fortress, and admit his reinforcements.

The Colonial Defence Committee concur in the change proposed by the Governor.

3. As regards (ii), the reasons assigned against the abandonment of the North Front are:-

(a.) That it would injuriously affect the health of the Fortress, as the sanitary water supply would cease, cattle would have to be kept and slaughtered within the Fortress, and the disposal of refuse would be rendered more difficult.

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