Printed for the use of the Colonial Office. December 28, 1888.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Report of Local Committee.
BARBADOS.
Page 59
Remarks by Colonial Defence Committee.
THE Colonial Defence Committee have had under consideration the Report drawn up by the Local Committee of Barbados. This Report is not in any sense a scheme of defence based upon existing resources; but the Local Committee submit certain proposals, the adoption of which would enable the island to offer resistance to a raid by one or two unarmoured vessels.
The position of Barbados is somewhat peculiar. Under existing arrange- ments, the whole of the Imperial force is to be withdrawn to St. Lucia in the event of war. This has already been notified to the Colony, which would then possess only a force of 240 police armed with Snider rifles. Under these circumstances, the Local Committee have apparently considered that no scheme of defence could well be prepared, and that it was necessary to consider what could be done to increase the military resources of the island in view of the withdrawal of the Imperial troops.
As soon as the concentration recommended by the Royal Commission has been carried out, and the works at Jamaica and St. Lucia are completed, no important military object would be gained by an attack on Barbados, the success of which would not in any way hamper the free action of Her Majesty's navy in West Indian waters.
On the other hand, Bridgetown offers a convenient anchorage in certain winds, and coal will undoubtedly continue to be stored there, as the island, apart from its local trade, is a convenient point of call for commercial steamers. While, therefore, no attack in force upon Barbados is probable, sufficient inducement may remain for a raid by a cruizer seeking to obtain coal or other
resources.
In the opinion of the Colonial Defence Committee, some protection against such a raid may be provided at small cost, and the Imperial Government, in aiding such Colonies as are willing to take steps for their own defence, not only adds to the power of the Empire as a whole, but strengthens the bonds which attach the Colonies to the mother-country and develops their military spirit.
Fort Charles, Carlisle Bay, has an existing armament of:--
2 7-in. R.M.L. guns.
2 64-prs. R.M.L. guns.
In addition, there are in the island as moveable armament:
2 40-prs. R.B.L.
2 9-prs. R.B.L.
2 7-prs. K.M.L., in charge of West India regiment;
together with a number of S.B. guns, Howitzers, and mortars.
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