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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O.885

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21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

It is submitted that whatever decision may be arrived at with regard to native troops it is very desirable to have a complete representation of the white forces of the Dominions, who have taken a most ready and effective part on previous occasions.

The questions whether (1) native troops, (2) the constabularies of the Crown Colonies, should be duly represented has not yet been considered by the Secretary of State.

4. The provision of ample facilities for viewing the procession to a large number of persons from the Dominions and Colonies.

As to this, see paragraphs 23 and 24 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A).

5. Provision for the Colonial Press.

As to this, see paragraph 33 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A). The experience of 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.

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 42 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 18 of Mr. Wilkinson's memorandum (App. A, and App. B).

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.

COLONIAL OFFICE,

29th October. 1910.

APPENDIX A.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DOMINIONS AND COLONIES AT THE CORONATION OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING EDWARD VII. AND QUEEN ALEXANDRA.

Civil Representation.

1. Arrangements were submitted to the King on the 2nd October, 1901, for the Civil Representation of the Dominions and Colonies at the Coronation :-

(a) The Prime Ministers of—

Canada,

The Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand,

Cape of Good Hope,

Natal, and Newfoundland.

were to be invited to attend the Coronation as Royal Guests.

(b) The Crown Colonies were to be represented by a Governor or ex-Governor for each of the

following groups :—

Eastern Colonies,

West Indies.

West African Colonies, and

The Mediterranean Colonies.

The Crown Colony Representatives were not to be boarded and lodged at the public expense, but were to be placed on the same footing as the Premiers in all other respects.

Despritch of Invitation to Representative Prime Ministers.

2. His Majesty approved, and on the 27th December, 1901, despatches were sent to the Governors- General and Governors of the self-governing Colonies mentioned above, notifying that the date of the Coronation had been fixed for the 26th June, 1902, and conveying in each case an invitation to the Prime Minister (accompanied by some lady member of his family) to consider himself the guest of His Majesty's Government for a fortnight from the date of arrival.

Despatch of Invitation to Crown Colony Representatives.

3. Invitations were issued to the Crown Colony Representatives on the 27th December, 1901, and it was intimated to them that, if not in England at the time, passage allowances both coming and returning would be defrayed by the Colonies they represented.

Invitation to Premiers of Canadian Provinces and Australian States.

4. Further despatches, dated 27th December, 1901, were sent to the Governors-General of Canada and the Commonwealth of Australia asking them to inform the Premier of each Province" and State that His Majesty's Government desired to invite those of them who might be in England at the time to take part in the Coronation ceremonies with other visitora of listinction, and that if any Premier availed himself of the invitation, places would be provided for him and some lady member of his family at the various ceremonies connected with the Coronation.

Federated Malay States Rulers.

5. With the King's approval the Sultan of Perak was invited, as representing the native rulers of the Federated Malay States, to be the guest of His Majesty's Government for a fortnight. His Highness accepted.

Tonga.

6. The King of Tonga was similarly invited, but declined.

Maori Chiefs.

7. Invitation of two Maori Chiefs was suggested, but the Governor did not recommend because

of the jealousy which would be caused in selecting two. The proposal dropped.

West African Chiefs.

8. It was decided not to invite any West African Chief, but subsequently Bai Farima (Sierra Leone) and a sub-chief were allowed to come. They were to be treated as distinguished visitors without a seat in the Abbey. Their visit was not an unqualified success and their return was expedited.

• This was considered to include the North-West Territories,

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