Page 58
4
¦
i
4
Committee draw attention to the fact that this reserve would, according to the Governor's estimate, only throw an annual charge of 6001. upon Imperial funds, and that the capital thus converted into grain would not be lost. They urge, therefore, that the matter should be referred to the Treasury.
The Colonial Defence Committee have drawn attention to the pressing requirements of Malta with the strong conviction that the deficiencies so frequently pointed out ought to be immediately remedied. The loss of Malta would practically terminate British power in the Mediterranean, and no naval supremacy subsequently reasserted at great national sacrifice would serve to counteract the effects of so serious a blow. For the reasons stated, the conditions of Malta are such as to tempt attack if the local defences are inadequate and the garrison incomplete. The provision of the additional new type armament, the completion of the garrison to the strength laid down, and the maintenance of a grain reserve would, in the opinion of the Committee, render Malta secure against any reasonably probable form of attack, and would thus leave the Mediterranean Squadron free for any action which the interests of the Empire may demand in those waters.
G. S. CLARKE, Secretary,
Colonial Defence Committee.
August 27, 1888.
(Signed)
TABLE showing Artillery Garrison required to provide one Relief for the approved Armament of Malta.
Nature of Ordnance.
Number Strength approved.
of Detachment.
Total for one Relief.
B.L. 13.5-inch
10 6
"
22
11
2725
20
15
2599
40 105
198
99
R.M.L. 17*75
29
12.5
14
""
11
13
10
12
""
9
18
24328
22
17
15
15
10
32
7
9
10
""
80-pr.
49
64
22
33
9
18
93
2.5-inch
12
2000aaa
44
238
195
180
180
90
9
441
9
198
9
162
9
108
R.B.L. 40-pr..
15
135
Howitzers 8-inch
13
10
130
6.6-inch
7
63
General total
2,606
N.B.-Smooth-bore guns employed for flanking purposes, as well as quick-firing guns, have been omitted.
Page 58
PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY T. HARRISON.—28/8(88.
Page 58
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.