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No. 31.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to ACTING GOVERNOR, Singapore. (Sent 6.15 p.m., May 16, 1884.)

REFERRING to my telegrain of May 13th, what action has been taken? Have possession ?

you

taken

No. 32.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON.

(Sent 7 p.m., May 16, 1884.)

ADVISED by Solicitor-General, Oriental Bank cannot demand payment debt without giving credit for notes held by debtor. Manager can call in and give quittance until notice of appointment provisional liquidator; not after notice, unless by authority liquidator.

No. 33.

TELEGRAM from the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON to the EARL OF DERBY,

dated Kandy, 17th May 1884. (Received 7.30 a.m., May 17, 1884.) Telegraphed here that Court of Chancery has given directions contrary to opinion of Solicitor-General, and forbidden reception of Oriental Bank notes in payment for debt dne to Oriental Bank. Is it true ?

No. 34.

TELEGRAM from the ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS to the EARL OF DERBY, dated Singapore, 17th May 1884. (Received 4.12 p.m., May 17, 1884.)

SUPREME COURT stays proceedings for six weeks, in same position as if execution issued earliest possible date, defendant at liberty to dispute judgments. Attorney-General did not consent. Seventy thousand dollars will remain at Orientai Bank, under guarantee of solicitor manager, not removed 48 hours' notice.

No. 35.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF MAURITIUS. (Sent (1) vid Aden, 5.30 p.m., May 17, 1884; (2) vid Natal, 8 p.m., May 19, 1884.) Oriental Bank winding-up order made by Court here May 15th; proceeding being watched in defence of interests of Mauritius. Consult Procureur General whether any and what steps should be taken in Mauritius to protect Government rights, or if possible to assert Crown's prior lien or rights. Inform me at once what action has been taken by you or other parties. Report accurately law officer's opinion. This supersedes my former telegram of May 6th.

*

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No. 37.

TELEGRAM from the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON to the EARL OF DERBY, dated Kandy, May 22, 1884. (Received 9 a.m., May 22, 1884.)

GOVERNMENT is not indebted to Oriental Bank, but it is desirable that Oriental Bank should be made to receive its own notes in payment, first to maintain confidence, which at present exists in guarantee of notes, and which it is of essential importance to main- tain; secondly, to diminish amount ultimately to be paid by Government under guarantee.

No. 38.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON. (Sent 7 p.m., May 22, 1884.)

COUBT OF CHANCERY sanctions expenditure of 110,250 rupees out of funds seized by Government upkeep Ceylon estates. Have consented on behalf of Colonial Government release amount required, on the condition sanctioned by Court of Chancery Colonial Government to have same charge of equal amount on finally realised assets as it has on goods seized. Act accordingly. Referring to my telegram of May 19, Court of Chancery will vary order to-morrow. Desirable that you should refrain from direct communication with liquidator here.

No. 39.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON. (Sent 5.20 p.m., May 23, 1884.)

COURT OF CHANCERY decision will be communicated Monday.

No. 40.

TELEGRAM from THE GOVERNOR OF MAURITIUS to the EARL OF DERBY. (Received, via Colembo, 9.30 a.m., May 26, 1884.) GOVERNMENT financial position quite safe; no funds needed from England. Will give all judicious support to Oriental Bank.

No. 41.

TELEGRAM from the Right Hon. the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON. (To be repeated to Governors of Straits and Hong Kong.) (Sent May 26, 1884.)

COURT OF CHANCERY expressed opinion Oriental Bank's debtors are entitled to set off against their debts notes possessed by them at the time of winding up and since continuously held; declares that Order 8th May is not to be construed to inter- fere with such right of set off or other right of wet off now by law subsisting. Order ends. Give publicity to foregoing. See 9, Law Reports, Queen's Bench, 648, since confirmed by House of Lords. Repeat in full to Governor, Straits Settlements, Governor, Hong Kong.

No. 36.

TELEGRAM from the EARL OF DERBY to the GOVERNOR OF CEYLON. (Sent-8 p.m., May 19, 1884.)

REFERRING to your telegram of May 17th, yes, order made ex parte; question under consideration whether steps should be taken to review it. Is Government indebted to Bank ?.

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PUBLIC RECORD

OFFICE

Reference :-

TTIFICO. 882

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON:

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