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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 885

Miscel- laneous, No. 142.

p. 76.

p. 78.

P. 87.

12

carrying out their instructions. As the Crown Agents write in their letter of 7th April, 1902, paragraph 11: "it is better to take the risk of occasionally failing to meet the wishes of a Colonial Government than to incur the enormous practical inconvenience which would result from a literal compliance with every order.'

I see it stated in the same letter, paragraph 20, that in the case of Lagos, it has been laid down that the Crown Agents in executing an order may, if necessary, exceed the price specified in the indent up to 25 per cent. without referring back to the Colony for authority for such excess, and I agree with them in thinking that it would be well I shall be glad, therefore, if some similar latitude were allowed by other colonies.

if you will inform me whether there is special objection to such a course in the case of the Colony under your Government, and, if there is not, what margin of excess you would suggest might be allowed.

38. For the rest, I can only reiterate the desirability of Officers, when at home, coming into personal relations with the Crown Agents and their staff, of ordering standard and uniform articles as much as possible, of making the requisitions as explicit as possible, always indicating when the matter is really urgent, and when inspection should be dispensed with in order to save time, of arranging indents so as to correspond with the departmental arrangements of the Crown Agents as they have already suggested, and of great care in recommending purchases from particular firms.

The Crown Agents, on the other hand, will be requested to give the Colonial Governments from time to time, as far as is possible and necessary, periodical information as to the quality and prices of articles and manufactures which the Colonies are in the habit of requiring, and the fullest explanations when they deviate from the instructions which they receive from the Colonies.

39. I do not wish this correspondence to be prolonged, unless it is absolutely necessary, but if there is any point in these papers on which you are not satisfied, I shall be glad to receive your comments, and I may add that I propose to supplement this confidential circular with one intended for publication dealing with the position and functions of the Crown Agents generally.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient humble Servant,

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

162.

8.

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