The chief objective of the 1890 manoeuvres was: "To ascertain under what conditions a hostile fleet could maintain itself on an important trade route and interrupt the traffic, always endeavouring to avoid a general engagement; also under what conditions a slightly superior British fleet could successfully manoeuvre to bring the hostile force to action and compel it to return to port." There were three subsidiary objects, the first of which was to obtain information as to the most advantageous methods of employing a considerable body of scouting cruisers on both sides. The second of the subsidiary objects was: "To ascertain the measures which a reserve fleet, chiefly composed of coast defence vessels, whilst operating from a strategic point in the English Channel, should take to contribute to the support of the main fleet, and to protect itself against torpedo boat attack." The third and last of the subsidiary objects was: "To ascertain what form the tactics of torpedo boats operating from a distant base should assume."