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irrespective of the position the ship may have arrived at, would bring her to either by a signal, in the shape of a shot across her bows, or, if this was ineffectual, by ring at her. In the event of no signal being received from the examination vessel, or, in her temporary absence, any ship proceeding at speed towards the inner waters of a harbour, may be presumed to be hostile, and must be brought to by the batteries, and, as soon as she reaches the inner limit of the examination anchorage, conveniently termed the examination line, she must be treated as an enemy. The examination line should be drawn from a battery, to prevent any mistake as to the position of the approaching ship, and so that the crossing of the line may be, instantly followed by the fire necessary to stop or sink her.

Applying these principles to the cases of Colombo and Trincomali it is recom- mended that at the former port the examination line should proceed from Mutwal Point Battery to the end of the breakwater, and at the latter from Regent's Battery to Clappenberg Point. The Committee understand that both the batteries referred to are to have a group of quick-firing guns, which is a suitable armament for use in connection with the examination of steamers.

The examination lines should be shown on the maps accompanying the Scheme. It should, of course, be clearly understood that armed vessels, recognized to be hostile, should be fired at as soon as they come within effective be their position.

range, whatever may

42. Page 75, paragraph 9.-It should be stated where vessels with petroleum or other highly inflammable cargoes must discharge in the event of Galle being closed, as contemplated in the Scheme.

43. Page 75, paragraph 10, and page 77, paragraph 10.-It is not advisable to totally prevent vessels entering the two defended ports at night, as laid down in these paragraphs, which also conflict with paragraphs 12 and 14 immediately below them.

M. NATHAN, Secretary,

August 19, 1898.

Colonial Defence Committee.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICH BY J. W. HARRISON.~22/8/98.

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