COPY.
189
In view of the difference of opinion between the Treasury & War Office and the Colonial Office as to the manner of dealing with Military Lands and Buildings in Colonies garrisoned by Imperial troops under the recommendation contained in paragraph 58 of Section 5 of the Report of the Committee on Military Contributions, and of the improbability that the Colonial Legislatures can be induced to accept that recommendation in the sense in which it is understood by the Treasury and War Office, Lord Ripon would propose that (except in any case in which a different arrangement has been or may be agreed upon with the consent of the Treasury and War Office) the alternative policy referred to in paragraph 60 of the same Report should be adopted, viz. that Military lands (not purchased and paid for by the Imperial Government), when no longer required for Military purposes, should be freely surrendered to the Colonial Government, and that the Secretary of State shall undertake to use his best endeavours to induce the Colonial Governments to provide all necessary lands and buildings for their garrisons.