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foreign or Colonial Office, are made in foreign Coins, the full equivalent, but no more, to the amount due in British Money should be issued -
When the payments are made in foreign Silver Coins, the Amount of the Equivalent must vary according to the prevailing relative value of gold and Silver, and the rate at which the dollar has been paid has varied at different periods on this principle : At one time the rate was 4/6, afterwards 4/4, and of late years 4/2.
My Lords can recognize no other principle in the regulations which should be adopted on the subject, and it would only lead to difficulty and misunderstanding if the question were mixed up with Considerations regarding claims for special allowances on the pay of officers living or other causes. - Such claims should be considered on their own merits irrespective of the condition of currency.
My Lords will communicate with the Secretary of State for War on the question of the rate at which the dollar should be hereafter issued to the troops serving in China.
I am, Sir
Your obedient servant
Geo. Alington