Enclosure i.
SECRET.
- H.M.S. Goshawk,
Port-of-Spain,
3rd December, 1940.
No. 31/2751/3122.
Sir,
United States Base—Temporary Dockyard.
1 have the honour to report that in the short time at my disposal before your
departure, I have considered the question of a temporary dockyard in the Western
Peninsula and have come to the conclusion that it is not practicable.
2. I am of the opinion that the only feasible plan would be to have a floating
dock in Chaguaramas Bay. with the necessary repair ships at anchor nearby.
3. A good anchorage exists for small craft such as destroyers and submarines
in Chaguaramas Bay and to the East of Point Gourde. There is an anchorage for
large ships approximately one mile to the South-West of the Five Islands.
4. I have examined the undeveloped reclaimed land between Wrightson Road
and the sea and consider that there is sufficient space for the housing of
approximately 5,000 men.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency's obedient Servant,
C. DENISON,
His Excellency The Governor, Captain, R.N.
Government House,
Port-of-Spaix.
Enclosure 2.
SECRET.
H.M.S. Goshawk,
Port-of-Spain,
3rd December, 1940.
No. 31/2752/3120.
Sir,
United States Base—Wharfage and Storing Accommodation.
The Harbour Master and I, in consultation with Mr. Parry, the Wharf
Superintendent, have the honour to submit the following short summary of our
opinions regarding the matter of wharfage and storing accommodation for the
United States.
2. It is felt that it is essential that the American wharf should be as separate
as possible from the remaining commercial wharf, and therefore think it will be
necessary to offer them No. 2 shed with the open space behind for any additional
storage they may require. As this means giving them one quarter of the available
space, and in view of other needs, it is not thought that more can be spared.
3. The Wharf Superintendent has advised us that if No. 2 shed is given up,
an additional shed must be built behind sheds Nos. 3 or 4 for his use.
4. It is probable that the American berth will not always be in use, and that
at times they will require two berths, and there seems no reason why reciprocity
could not be arranged.
5. The alternative proposal made by Mr. Parry is to construct a temporary
wharf 500 to 1,000 feet long at the Western end of the existing wharf, in line with
the dredged channel, if possible to permit berthing on cither side. As there is
insufficient time to get advice as to how long it will take to construct, we can only
put forward the suggestion tentatively.
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your Excellency's obedient Servant,
C. DENISON,
His Excellency The Governor, Captain, R.N.
Government House,
Port-of-Spain.