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the Admiralty and the Commonwealth, so us to keep them in the bighest state of efficiency.

In regard to promotion, the record of the services of all officers on the common list coming within the zone of promotion to be equally considered, and care to be taken that over a series of years the proportion of officers promoted should be the same for the Royal Navy and the Dominion navies. Full weight to be given to any recom- mendations from the professional officers of the Commonwealth.

The Admiralty to consult the Government of the Commonwealth by telegraph before deciding what Commonwealth officers they shall promote.

The Admiralty and the Commonwealth Government to be in close touch in all matters connected with the appointment and promotion of officers. Perhaps a Common- wealth officer might eventually be spared for service on the Admiralty staff.

So far as I am aware, the Admiralty have not had before them the scheme of a common list of officers. If Sir George Reid thinks it can be made into a workable scheme, acceptable to the Commonwealth Government, it might be made the basis of a preliminary discussion with them on what appears to be the next point requiring attention.

C. E. GIFFORD.

January 30, 1911.

PRINTED AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE BY J. W. Harrison.-22/5/1911.

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