Office
Circular Memorandum.
FOREIGN.
8.0919/62
32
SIR,
40021
S
WAR OFFICE,
27th May, 1862.
THE attention of the Secretary of State for War has been called to the necessity which exists for some more definite rules being laid down for the guidance of Her Majesty's Government in dealing with applications from the Colonies for the supply of Arms and Ammunition for the use of the local Militia and Volunteer Corps.
Sir George Lewis having consulted the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject, it has been agreed to adopt the series of Rules and Conditions of which copies are annexed. These Rules have accordingly been com municated by the Duke of Newcastle to the Governors of the various Colonies, through whom alone requisitions for Military Stores for the use of the local forces can in future be received.
In order to assist the Secretary of State in forming a correct estimate as to the amount and efficiency of the local military forces likely to be available for the defence of the Colony in case of need, I am to instruct you to select one or more Officers to inspect annually the Corps, aud also the Arms and Armouries, and to fill up a form of report (according to the enclosed), which report you will transmit to this Office, together with any observations which you may have to offer thereon.
I also enclose copies of "Regulations for the marking and preservation of Arms issued to corps of Colonial Volun... beers," which the Secretary of State is desirous should be adopted, so far as circumstances will admit.
I am,
SIR,
To Officers Commanding.
Your obedient Servant,
EDWARD LUGARD.