It is requested that in any further communication on this subject the undermentioned letter and number may be quoted, and the reply addressed to--
The Under Secretary of State for India,
India Office,
F.6874.
Dated 12th September 03.
Sir,
Whitehall,
London, S.W.
10 21204
35512
India Office,
JRECH Whitchall, SEP 03 556
A
London, S.W.
24th September 1903.
With reference to the letter from this Office No. F.6475 dated 5th instant, and previous correspondence, I am directed to forward for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain a copy of a telegram from the Viceroy regarding the capacity of the Indian Mints to cope with demands for British dollars in the future, having regard to the requirements of the rupee coinage, and also to the requirements of the new Straits dollar.
It will be seen that the Government of India estimate that they will probably be able in the future to meet the demand for the coinage of British Straits dollars notwithstanding the priority to be given to Indian rupees; but they decline to give a definite undertaking to this effect.
I am to add that the substance of the Viceroy's telegram is being communicated to the Banks by this Office; I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,
Foren Webster
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.