CO885-24 — Page 14

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

mmmimimu PC.O. 885

24 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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

16

BRITISH GUIANA.

5. A warrant dated 2nd August, 1914, authorized W. J. Gilchrist, Esquire, Acting Assistant Government Secretary, to assume control of the transmission of messages by the West India and Panama Telegraph Company's telegraphs, and a notice, bearing the same date, of Mr. Gilchrist's appointment as censor, and of the appointment of his assistants, was published.

13

6. The Order in Council for the granting of "Days of Grace" was published on the 5th August, 1914.

7. The notice to mariners and owners of ships as to special Customs clearances for ships leaving port was issued on the 5th August, 1914.

8. Notification was given on 5th August, 1914, that a moratorium had been proclaimed in London on 2nd August.

9. The Proclamation by His Majesty the King "prohibiting under Section 8 of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1879, the exportation from the United Kingdom of certain warlike stores" was published on the 4th August, 1914.

10. I issued on the 5th August, 1914, an Order by the Governor in Council, under Section 35 of Ordinance No. 21 of 1893," that in consequence of the * disturbed condition of the money markets, the rates of commission for money orders issued in British Guiana for payment abroad be varied from time. to time, so that the rate of such commission shall be 2 cents higher than the rate of the day at any local bank.

11. The Proclamation by His Majesty the King "prohibiting commercial intercourse with any person resident, carrying on business, or being, in the German Empire without permission was published on the 5th August, 1914.

*

12. The Proclamation by His Majesty the King notifying that

British subjects contributing to a loan raised on behalf of the German Emperor, or con- tracting with the German Government, will be guilty of high treason as adhering to the King's enemies was published on the 5th August, 1914.

13. A Proclamation dated 6th August, 1914, prohibited "under Section 105 of the Customs Ordinance, 1884, the exportation from British Guiana of certain stores.

"

I prohibited the export of silver coin as there seemed to be great danger of currency running short.

There has been a steady drain on the Government Savings Bank, and probably also on the savings bank of the Royal Bank of Canada, but I think confidence is now becoming restored.

14. The Proclamation by His Majesty the King "issued under the Exporta- tion of Arms Act, 1900, regarding warlike stores, the exportation of which from the United Kingdom to certain countries is prohibited was published on 5th August, 1914.

"

15. Under Section 105 of the Customs Ordinance, No. 7 of 1884, the "exporta- tion from the Colony of certain warlike stores was prohibited by Proclamation, dated 7th August, 1914.

I have so far received welcome assistance from the Chamber of Commerce in the matter of preventing undue rises in the prices of foodstuffs, which is fortunate. as the Imperial Order in Council of 26th day of October. 1896, has not been applied to this Colony. I am having a local Ordinance prepared to give me similar powers to those enjoyed by the Governor of Trinidad under the above-mentioned Order in Council.

The export of sugar was prohibited from the 8th instant, and, with the excep- tion of rather less than 10 per cent. of the production, permits to export will be granted, but only to the United Kingdom. I have just received from you a cipher telegram dated the 14th instant, on the subject of the prohibition of the export of sugar. the last portion of which is, however, undecipherable until I receive the repetition asked for.

16. A Proclamation under Section 105 of the Customs Ordinance, 1884, regarding warlike stores, the exportation of which from the United Kingdom to certain countries is prohibited. was issued on the 7th August, 1914.

17. A Government notice, dated 7th August, 1914, notified the steps taken

to safeguard the shipping in the port and harbour of Georgetown.

* 80458: not printed.

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BRITISH GUIANA.

On the unanimous advice of my military advisers (Colonel G. C. De Rinzey, Commandant of the local forces, Captain Rose, Staff Officer, and Captain Richter, Commanding the Militia Artillery), I have declared the port of Georgetown closed at night during the "official night," one of the new Government steamers being moored two miles outside the port as an examination steamer. No restrictions, however, are being placed on the exit of vessels during the night, and no restric- tions during the day, either inwards or outwards, once the incoming steamers have been identified.

18. By Proclamation dated 8th August, 1914, under Section 105 of the Customs Ordinance, 1884, the exportation from British Guiana of sugar was prohibited, except upon special permit from the Comptroller of Customs.

19. Notification was given on the 13th August that war had broken out with Austria-Hungary.

20. Regulations for the Port of Georgetown were published on the 14th August.

21. The Order in Council for the granting of "Days of Grace" consequent on the outbreak of war with Austria-Hungary, was published on the 15th August, together with a notification of the issue by you of a Proclamation, on the 14th August, applying to Austria-Hungary all war Proclamations issued against Germany.

22. I am having printed locally, for use in case of very great scarcity of coin, an issue of $1 and $2 currency notes. I do not propose, however, to issue these notes, unless the state of the currency imperatively demands it.

23. I should be glad to be informed by telegraph whether I can expect to receive from the Crown Agents in the ordinary course indents for supplies already ordered, or that may be sent; for instance, druggists' and hospital stores, public works indents for machinery and stores, indents for clothing, etc.; and I assume that I have full permission to obtain goods elsewhere, if deemed desirable, during the continuance of the war.

88977

I have, &c.,

WALTER EGERTON,

Governor.

No. 9.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 8.55 a.m., 7th September, 1914.) TELEGRAM.

[Answered by No. 11A.]

THERE is much complaint at extra charge demanded by banks to miners bringing gold for shipment or for sale. Would it be possible for His Majesty's Government to purchase, advance to 80 per cent. of value and remainder to be paid Fear on report of assay at Mint? Diamonds practically (?) unsaleable locally. that large number of miners may be thrown out of work from closing of mines, with risk of civil disturbances. If arrangements can be made as to sale of gold situa- tion will be much alleviated, and banks might in competition offer favourable terms. Gold probably much required in England is now being retained in the Colony owing to increased cost of war insurance. EGERTON.

35576

(No. 360.)

No. 10.

THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 17th September, 1914.)

Government House, Georgetown, Demerara,

SIR,

28th August, 1914. IN continuation of my despatch No. 341, of the 15th instant, I have the honour to report the following further action taken in this Colony in connexion with the outbreak of war between Great Britain and the German and Austrian Empires.

C

* No. 8.