Naval Intelligence Department

Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI)

Assistant Directors of Naval Intelligence (ADNI)

From 1887 to 1902, there were two ADNIs. With the expansion of the department in 1902, and the inclusion of the Trade Division, the number of ADNIs was increased to four. Each ADNI was the head of a division. In 1905, a fifth ADNI was added to deal with coastal defences.

Mobilisation Division

Mobilization arrangements; Peace manoeuvres; Auxiliary requirements of Home ports for war; Control of railway traffic in time of war; Retired officer lists and war appointments; Armed merchant cruisers (personnel).

War Division

War Orders for Fleet C-in-C's; General questions of strategical policy (including war plans when directed by First Sea Lord and DNI); Consideration of plans for expeditions; Preparations on and reports for British manoeuvres and tactical exercises; Distribution of intelligence; Submarine cables; All questions related to Indian and Colonial defences; Wireless telegraphy.

Foreign Division

Naval policy and strategy of all foreign countries; Contraband of war; Questions of international law; Notation and reports on matériel; Movement, mobilization, manoeuvres; Estimates, personnel and mercantile marine of foreign powers; Correspondence with naval attachés; Naval administration, coast defences, government and private shipyards, arsenals, factories, naval ordnance, and communications of foreign powers.

Trade Division (added 1902 – abolished 1909)

Questions related to defence of British trade in war; Statistics relating to ocean commerce and trade routes

Coastal Defences Division (added in 1905)

Took over duties of Foreign Division with the notation and reports on the coastal and port defences of foreign powers.