For land service, the mountings require to be carefully tested before being sent out, but it is hoped that some will be despatched within the next six months.
The part of the manufacturers delay on the work it is feared will prevent their being supplied earlier, but every effort is being made to push the work on.
I have to add that the rumour alluded to by the Secretary Stanhope in our letter under reference is entirely without foundation.
Yours faithfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
Marple Thompson
DRAFT.
Oag. Atkin W.76
MINUTE.
Mr. John 8 Dec
Mr. De Robeck 8
Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston,
Mr. Meade.
Sir R. Herbert.
Lord Dunraven.
Mr. Stanhope.
22807, except last para.]
With reference to your despatch No. 110 of the 5th of April, I have the honour to forward for your information an extract from a letter from the W.O. in reply to one which I caused to be addressed to that Dept. as to the progress of the armament for the new Defence Works at...