Miscellaneous
No. 257.
Confidential.
Printed for the use of the Colonial Office.
MEMORANDUM
FOR
CORONATION COMMITTEE.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
C.O. 8
Reference :-
885
21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
The points to which the Colonial Office have to direct attention in connexion with
the Coronation festivities are-
1. The complete representation of the Dominions and Colonies.
This mises the questions of--
(i) direct representation by delegates-
(a) in Westminster Abbey.
(b) any procession;
(c) in any other function.
(ii) an opportunity to prominent persons from the Dominions and Colonies such as Members of His Majesty's Privy Council, Lieutenant-Governors, Members of Legis- latures, and Mayors of great municipalities, though not officially representing any place or territory, to take a certain part in the festivities.
With reference to the above points it will be useful to refer to Mr. Wilkinson's memoranduin (App. A), paragraphs 1-4 and 12, as showing what was done on the last occasion.
(iii) The representation of the various native races who come under the Colonial Office.
As to this, see paragraphs 5-11 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A).
Past experience shows that it will be necessary to exercise great care in having natives, and especially native troops, brought over to this country.
2. The entertainment at the public expense of a certain number of the above representatives.
On this head see paragraphs 1, 2, 14, 15, 31, and 37-39 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A.).
It will be necessary to consider how far any such entertainment should be combined with the entertainment of the delegates to the Imperial Conference. On this point we
have promised the Treasury that we would be very careful on any future occasion.
It may be assumed that the selection of public guests for the Coronation will be kept within rather strict lines, as indeed on the last occasion; but the case of the Crown Colonies requires special consideration:
It may
be well to mention in this connexion that the Secretary of State has already intimated that several Ministers from each Dominion will be welcome at the time of the Conference and Coronation: and the meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society is attracting the Ministers of Agriculture from the various Dominions.
3. The representation of the Colonial Military forces in the procession.
See paragraphs 16-22 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum and the special return marked B.
(17854r-2.) Wt. 23904- 107. 50. 10/10. D & S.
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