After communicating with the W.O. on the subject.
2. In the meantime, no steps need be taken at present toward obtaining a vote from the Leg. Council for this balance.
3. As regards the sum of $20,000 paid during 1890, I have to point out that this amount was not chargeable to the vote for "Contribution in aid of Military Expenditure," as stated in the 3rd paragraph of W. Des Voeux's despatch under acknowledgement, in respect to the Vote (Item 15 of $52,000 Extraordinary Expenditure) for "Balance - Contribution for defences." This amount will therefore not require to be revoted, although it will be necessary to legalise it in the Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance for 1890, as explained in paragraph 4 of my despatch no. 40 of 27th Feb. last.
4. This Ordinance should be passed as soon as possible.
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