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Tunnel scheme was submitted to the Government, the opinion of a scientific Committee composed of both military men and civilians, should be obtained, as to the practicability of effectually closing such a Tunnel if made. On the 23rd February, 1882, the gentlemen whose names are given below, were accordingly appointed, by the Secretary of State for War, to carry out this duty (p. 241).
President.
Major-General Sir A. Alison, Bart., K.C.B.
Members.
C. H. Gregory, Esq., C.E., C.M.G.
Major-General Gallwey, Inspector-General of Fortifications.
Colonel Sir John Stokes, K.C.B., E.E., Deputy-Adjutant-General, Royal Engineers.
Colonel Sir Andrew Clarke, K.C.M.G., C.B., E.E, Commandant of the School of Military Engineering.
E. Graves, Esq., Engineer-in-Chief to the General Post Office.
Colonel H. J. Alderson, E.A., Assistant-Director of Artillery and Stores, War Office.
Colonel V. D. Majendie, C.B., H.M. Chief-Inspector of Explosives, Home Office.
Professor Abel, C.B., F.E.S., Chemist to the War Department.
"The Committee were directed to make a full and exhaustive investigation from a scientific point of view (and without reference to the ulterior question of national expediency), into the practicability of closing effectually a submarine railway Tunnel, proposed to be constructed between France and England. They were to satisfy themselves whether it was certain, beyond any reasonable doubt, that, in the event of war or apprehended war, the Tunnel and its proposed approaches under existing Acts and the Bills then before Parliament, would be rendered absolutely useless to an enemy and in what manner. A very detailed discussion of the various means to be used was called for; the Committee were to consider and report what appliances, whether of destruction, of obstruction, of flooding, or of all combined, should be provided, including any works defending or
