CAB9-1_PT1 — Page 335

SECRET.

D. I Go F. w

: For record)

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

JAMAICA,

Page 335

JAMAICA.

No. 522.

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

Remarks by the Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee note that there appears to be some slight difference of opinion between the Local Committee and the Commo- dore as to the nature of attack to which Kingston and Port Royal are liable. It is, however, considered that the form of probable attack is sufficiently defined in the remarks of the Colonial Defence Committee of the 13th August, 1894, as an attack "by cruisers and by such minor torpedo craft as can be carried on board them."

2. The Local Committee lay down that "the examination of ships is to be carried out by naval officers appointed by the Senior Naval Officer at Port Royal."

The Colonial Defence Committee consider that it is sufficient to state that this examination will be carried out in accordance with arrangements made by the Senior Naval Officer at Port Royal, leaving to him to decide the personnel which can be most advantageously utilized for this purpose.

3. Under the heading "Examination Anchorage," the Local Committee refer to two sets of private signals, viz.: (1) those for admitting ships other than British war-vessels, which will be communicated to the Examining Officer by the Senior Naval Officer daily; and (2) those for admitting Her Majesty's ships of war without delay.

The Committee understand that the former will be arranged locally, while the latter are the private signals used between the ships of Her Majesty's navy. They think that this might advantageously be stated in the Traffic Regulations.

4. It is stated in the Report that "the steam-ship Firefly' will be available for the examination of vessels." The Commodore points out that she can hardly be considered available on account of the prohibitory price asked for the hire of the vessel.

The question of giving powers to the Governors of Colonies to enable them to utilize private property in connection with defensive measures at equitable rates is now engaging the attention of the Colonial Defence Committee.

5. The remaining points dealt with by the Local Committee, and in the correspondence accompanying their Report, do not call for further

remarks.

October 14, 1895.

(Signed)

M. NATHAN, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON,—22/10/95.

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