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troops, and suggesting that the rule should be that the officer commanding the Imperial troops should Appendix No. 8. invariably have the command of both Imperial and colonial forces.
In reply, I am to request that you will state to Mr. Secretary Childers that Lord Kimberley thinks that as a general rule the arrangement proposed by the Secretary of State for War would appear to be right in principle, and likely to meet satisfactorily such cases as may ordinarily be expected to arise. His Lordship would, however, suggest that it may deserve consideration whether the rule should not be so framed as to admit of occasional exceptions, as, for example, when the Imperial officer is of considerably junior standing, and commands a small number of troops, and there is acting with him, in command of a large colonial force, an officer of much higher standing and experience.
As, however, the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad has proposed to discuss this question, his Lordship thinks it may be advisable not to come to any conclusion upon it for the present.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
ROBERT G. W. HERBERT.
No. 2,
Colonial Office to Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroaa.
Sir,
Downing Street, December 23, 1880. WITH reference to the letter from this Department of the 30th November,* I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, to be laid before the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad, a copy of a letter which has been received from the War Office requesting to be informed, at an early date, of the views of the Commission upon the question of the command of colonial troops when associated with Imperial troops.
Inclosure in No. 2.
War Office to Colonial Office.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
R. H. MEADE.
War Office, December 17, 1880.
Sir,
IN reply to your letter of the 4th ultimo,† in regard to the question of the command of colonial troops when associated with Imperial troops, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that Mr. Childers will be glad if the opinion of the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad on this question can be procured quickly.
I have, &c. (Signed)
RALPH THOMPSON.
No. 3.
Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad to Colonial Office.
13, Delahay Street, January 10, 1881.
Sir,
I AM directed by the Royal Commission on the Defence of British Possessions and Commerce Abroad to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th November,* and of your further letter of the 23rd December, transmitting the request of the War Office to be informed, at an early date, of the views of the Commission upon the question of the command of colonial troops when associated with Imperial troops.
The reference, which is very general in terms, appears to raise questions which are beyond the scope of the Commission.
So far, however, as concerns the more important sea-ports within Her Majesty's colonial posses- sions and their dependencies, and of the stations established or required within the said possessions and dependencies for coaling, refitting, or repairing the ships of Her Majesty's navy, and for the pro- tection of the commerce of the Colonies with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland with each other and with foreign countries, the Commission have no hesitation in expressing their opinion that the chief command in such of those ports and stations as it may be ultimately decided to reserve for Imperial purposes should devolve on Imperial officers.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
HERBERT JEKYLL.
* No. 1.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
‡ No. 2.
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