[Page 166]
[Duplicate of Item 02, page 6]
(2)
-could-
be returned to Queensland.
In considering these operations I am keeping in view the idea that these possessions will be maintained as British Colonies with, no doubt, Rabaul as Governing centre, on account of its fine harbour and other natural and physical advantages.
I am assuming there are no guns mounted at either Rabaul or Friedrich Wilhelmshafen, but should my assumption be wrong, and opposition be met with, the guns of the fleet would be required to cover the landing, as my Force is composed of Infantry and four Machine Guns only - no Artillery.
Should the harbour front at Rabaul be defended, the maps indicate that a landing could be accomplished at Talili Bay, which is connected with Simpsonhafen by three good roads - distance about 4 miles.
In view, however, of the result of the reconnaissance of Blanche Bay made recently by H.M.A.S. "Sydney" and Destroyers, it seems reasonable to suppose that no opposition will be met with, unless, of course, the German Ships have since returned to this place, which is improbable.
(Sgd.) William Holmes, Colonel.
Brigadier Commanding.
Tuesday, 1st September 1914: