CO882-(1-2) — Page 480

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I think this is just one of the cases where the Government is bound to make its

up mind whether Mauritius is to be considered, as some great authorities think, a place of real importance in war to the whole Empire or not. If it is decided not to be such, the question falls, and the Colony must find the money necessary for its internal tranquillity. If it is thought that it should be an Imperial station, strong enough to be of use for the preservation of India and of our trade with China and distant Colonies, then the Govern- ment ought not to shrink from doing that which is required; and in that case arises the further problem, how ought the expense to be distributed as regards the Imperial, the Indian, and the Colonial Treasuries?

For this purpose I think you must either consult the Cabinet, or a Committee of the Cabinet, representing the Departments concerned.

Yours sincerely, (Signed)

The Right Hon. E. Cardwell, M.P.,

&c.

&c.

&c.

GRANVILLE.

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.882No. 2.