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defence should secure the possibility of preliminary protection being afforded in two or three days, the full strength being subsequently developed.

3. The Committee recognize the desirability of stationing a torpedo-boat at Port Royal, and they consider that the Admiralty should be urged to make this provision.

4. It appears to be essential to decide in advance, in consultation with the Senior Naval Officer on the station, which buoys and beacons, if any, should be This should be clearly laid down in the scheme of defence, and it should be stated on whom the duty of removing them would fall.

taken up.

5. The organization of the system of look-out stations should also be clearly laid down in the scheme of defence in order that no time may be lost in carrying it into effect.

6. The desirability of being able to employ one or two fast merchant- steamers for scouting purposes, as proposed by the local Committee, is beyond question; but the measures necessary to secure such vessels, and the probability of being able to obtain them at a moment of emergency, should be stated.

7. The Committee do not consider that it is desirable to transfer a small quantity of coal to Port Antonio and Montego Bay, as suggested. It will, in most cases, be inadvisable, in the event of war, to multiply the number of ports containing coal, and such a measure should be left to the discretion of the Admiral commanding on the station.

8. The scheme of defence should not only lay down the distribution of the troops in the event of war, but should formulate the measures necessary for the transport and supply of these troops in their new positions. Further, it is desirable to consider fully the measures necessary to transport a force to other portions of the island. The Colonial Defence Committee fully concur with the views of the local Committee that the armed constabulary might well be employed as auxiliary to the garrison, the rural constables being increased for the time. The scheme of defence should therefore include the armed constabulary, and should detail the measures necessary to relieve them of their ordinary duties.

9. The Committee understand that powers exist to raise the militia force to 1,000 men; but that no arms would be available for the purpose. They strongly recommend that, as proposed by the local Committee, "arms and accoutrements be sent out for 600 additional volunteer militia in the proportion of 100 garrison artillery, 100 mounted infantry, and 400 infantry, together with a proportionate increase of ammunition." They regard this provision as urgent, in view of the small strength of regular troops who will be available for the garrison of Jamaica.

10. The local Committee should cause plans to be drawn up of the works necessary to strengthen or supplement Rock Fort, adding estimates of time and labour, so that the necessary measures might be taken immediately on the outbreak of war. The question of the defence of the road between Cow Bay and Kingston on a more permanent basis, and at the cost of the Colony, should be referred to the Inspector-General of Fortifications and Engineers.

11. It appears desirable that a form of Proclamation, addressed to the civil population, should be prepared and held in readiness for promulgation, as has been done in other Colonies.

12. With regard to the proposal to raise a force of West Indian Artillery and Submarine Miners, the Colonial Defence Committee entirely agree with the local Committee. They have already (Memorandum No. 31 of 6th December, 1887) recommended a force of 100 gunners and 120 miners, and they desire to urge that this force should be raised without delay.

July 7, 1888.

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(Signed)

G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HABRISON.—11/7/88.

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Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. July 27, 1888.

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CONFIDENTIAL.

23 R

Report of Local Committee.

LAGOS.

A

Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.

THE Colonial Defence Committee have carefully considered the scheme of defence which has been drawn up by the Governor and Local Committee of Lagos. This scheme appears to be thorough and comprehensive, showing a satisfactory appreciation of the local conditions and requirements, and reflecting great credit on the local authorities.

In the main, the probable needs of the Colony in the event of war seem to be sufficiently provided for. The geographical position of Lagos, 1,500 miles from Takar, the nearest foreign naval base, and 500 miles from the Gaboon, confers considerable security against attack; while the local conditions pointed out by the Senior Naval Officer provide additional protection. The Colonial Defence Committee concur in the view of the Governor that foreign vessels of war of such tonnage as to be able to cross the bar are not likely to be present off the coast during a period of hostilities. probably rely

It is improbable that any hostile ship would visit Lagos, unless she had with a mic large coal supply, which implies considerable tonnage, or there were a tobtain reasonable certainty of obtaining a fresh coal supply in the vicinity, which Cral would not be the case.

The only probable form of attack is, therefore, a raid carried out in boats Such a hessel from a squadron lying outside, with a view to obtain coal or other supplies.