CO129-136 - Sir MacDonnell - 1869 [1-3] — Page 102

and all future despatches be numbered

regular

series

except such

as

are

marked either Secret or Confidential.

The object of the

despatches of a

routine character is uncertain whether the

Rule applies only to

those of a more important character

and political significance, such as render them likely to be called for by Parliament. It seems

so inconvenient

and cumbersome to include in the

series of numbered despatches those which merely acknowledge formally the receipt of despatches, circulars, printed documents, books, &c., that I doubt if Your Grace's intention was to apply the Rule to communications of that class. The point may perhaps have

been

inadvertently escaped notice, and, therefore, I have, though with some hesitation, directed till further instructions

are received that

no

change be made in the branding of that class of despatches.

I shall of

course not fail to avoid the title Separate to

any

despatches intended to be either "Confidential" or withheld from publication

for any

reason whatever.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord Duke,

Your Grace's most obedient

humble servant,

Ronald MacDonnell

Governor.