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C.O.885

21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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3. The representation of the Colonial Military jorces in the procession. See paragraphs 17-23 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum and the special return marked C.

It is submitted that this is a matter of great importance. Nothing has struck me more than the enthusiasm with which members of the Colonial forces rush to take part in such a function as this; and the general effect on the loyalty and goodwill of the Colonies must be immense. It is desirable to have very complete representation of all these forces.

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But I am very doubtful whether we ought to bring in the police forces. The main idea of the contingent is that it should be military and I would, as far as possible, confine it to this. Undoubtedly the great object should be to have as large a number as possible of the Canadian and Australian forces; they seem to me the most active embodiment of military spirit in the Colonies, apart from the West African Frontier Force and King's African Rifles, where we have the difficulty of the native soldier. As to these last, see what I have said above about natives; still, I am bound to say that in any complete representation of the forces of the Empire those two forces demand a place. The point is one which requires early and careful consideration.

As regards most of the Crown Colonies, we might get rid, in great part, of the colour difficulty by ruling out the police forces and confining representation to bonâ fide volunteer or volunteer-militia forces.

I am at present inclined to think that we ought to form a small staff to run the Colonial Contingent in close touch with me. When I had, at a few moments' notice, to arrange for the Colonial Contingent at the King's Funeral I found myself much indebted to Colonel Thesiger and Captain Robinson for help in any communications with the War Office, &c. One or two names already occur to me of men who would be likely to be very useful in general supervision of the military arrangements for the troops; but there is no immediate hurry to decide this point.

4. The provision of ample facilities for viewing the procession to a large number of persons from all parts of the Colonial Empire.

As to this, see paragraphs 24 and 25 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A). Mr. Macnaghten has been good enough to furnish me with a memorandum upon this particular point, which I append as Appendix B.

I should propose, as far as possible, to hand over to Mr. Macnaghten the chief responsibility of dealing with the stand question; he has been very good in taking an interest in that.

5. Provision for the Colonial Press.

As to this, see paragraph 34 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A). My experience, however, with the King's Funeral, shows that it is most necessary to have as early a touch as possible with all the leading papers in the Dominions. Possibly the Crown Colonies press does not matter so much; but even in this case it may be wise to write specially to all the Governments on the subject. Instead of leaving this to the end, I should like to take this branch of the subject up in good time. It is not too much to say that the general impression made in the colonies next June will depend largely upon the way we handle the press.

6. The provision of the necessary funds for carrying out the policy on which His Majesty's Government decide.

On this point, see generally paragraph 45 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A). The main question, viz., the amount of funds to be provided, depends upon-

(a) the decision as to the entertainment of the nation's guests;

(b) the decision as to the size of the Colonial Military Contingent, for which provision will have to be made in camps or otherwise. As to this last, see paragraph 19 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A).

It is very desirable that there should be an early understanding as to details with the Earl Marshal's Department, the War Office, and the Office of Works: experience has

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shewn that there is a great tendency to be altering important details at the last moment, and this could be avoided by a clear delegation of certain arrangements, a good under- standing between the persons in charge of those arrangements, and an early exchange of views on the main points.

I should say that the great sinner in this matter is the Office of Works. I expect their difficulties are greater than those of anyone else, but at the same time they seem to change their minds with greater rapidity and at less notice. I would suggest that it will be well to fix them down at an early stage in the arrangements.

Various points of a minor nature will also crop up: I refer to Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum-

(a) as to Addresses and Honours, paragraphs 33, and 42-44; (b) as to Miscellaneous subjects, paragraphs 26-31, 35—37, and 41.

14th September, 1910.

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