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in building barracks for the defence of the Colony. But if the Colonial Government have a reversionary interest in Murray Battery they should, in return, be given a like reversionary interest, to an equal value, in the new barracks, which interest that Government will be entitled to realise, should neither the barracks nor their equivalent be required hereafter for purposes of defence.

Such is the decision at which my Lords would arrive; but if the Secretary of State still desires a legal opinion my Lords cannot oppose his obtaining it, so long as it is understood that no legal opinion can affect the obligation of every Colony to contribute according to its means to the cost of its own defence.

My Lords are sending a copy of this letter to the War Office.

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office.

I am, &c.

(Signed) R. E. WELBY.

62.

TELCO. 882

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