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24. Page 33, (7), (8), and '(9).-The information given under the headings of the action to be taken by the heads of the different departments is imperfect. The arrangements to be carried out by them should be detailed instead of being merely enumerated.

CHAPTER IV.

25. Page 37, paragraph 6; page 38, paragraph 7.-The Fortress Commanders at Colombo and Trincomali are authorized, "in the absence of instructions to the contrary," to immediately clear the ground of any buildings, &c. This instruction might result in the wholesale destruction of valuable private property, involving heavy compensation, as a preparation for an eventuality which might not come about. The actual amount of clearance which should be undertaken to put Colombo and Trincomali in a proper state of defence should be carefully investigated beforehand, and entered in the Scheme under the Action to be taken by the C.R.Es. at the two fortresses, with an approximate estimate of the value of the property to be destroyed. Arrangements should be made for carrying out the demolitions immediately on the outbreak of war, but only minor ones should then actually be put in hand without the express order of the G.O.C. Ceylon. These restrictions will, of course, not apply to demolitions which may have to be undertaken during actual operations against an enemy.

26. Page 37, paragraph 4 (b); page 38, paragraph 5 (c). The arrangements for the regulation of traffic and examination of ships must in any case he made with the local port authority. A naval officer, not being resident, cannot be the responsible authority.

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27. Page 38, paragraph 4.-The Fortress Commander at Trincomali is ordered receipt of instructions" to send half the available strength of the Fortress Company R.E. to Colombo by the quickest route and the C.R.E. Colombo is informed (page 48, paragraph 4) that "half the available strength of the Fortress Company R.E. may be expected to arrive from Trincomali in about a week, if ordered." These instructions would appear to apply to the seventeen men which in the tables on pages 20, 49, and 63 appear as part of the war garrison of Colombo. Their movement from Trincomali to Colombo is not, however, included in the time table on page 31 so that it seems that it is not to take place except under certain special conditions. These should be explained in the Scheme.

28. Page 39, (D).-Paragraph 2 of the Orders to O.C. Troops, Kandy, instructs him to dispatch the detachment of regular infantry to Trincomali while paragraph 4 tells him that if he is in command of it he should proceed with it. There seems likely to be some confusion if the general charge of the arrangements that have to be made at Kandy on the outbreak of war are left to the first volunteer officer who arrives there and it is for consideration whether one of the officers of the regular detachment quartered there in peace should not be left in command at any rate till all the arrangements are in working order.

29. Page 39, (E), paragraph 2.-It would be well to state where and by whom the arms, equipment, and ammunition will be issued.

CHAPTERS V AND V (bis).

30. Pages 46 and 61.-The manning tables are not sufficiently detailed to show whether the numbers are sufficient for the work they have to do, and should be remodelled. The number of infantry told off for movable armament and machine-guns at Trincomali seems rather larger than necessary; seventy-eight is about the number required.

31. Pages 49 and 63.-In addition to the tables showing the distribution of the. Royal Engineers for carrying out the works necessary on mobilization at Colombo and Trincomali, tables should be given showing the tools, materials, working parties, and time required for each of these works.

32. Pages 50 and 64.-In the "Orders to O.C., A.S.C., Colombo and Trincomali,"

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