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No. 245.

Governor Hennessy, C.M.G., to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.—(Received

(Telegraphic.)

July 22.)

DESPATCH by this mail thoroughly agreeing with the Colonial Defence Committee, and suggesting permanent defences.

No. 246.

War Office to Colonial Office.

Sir,

Pall Mall, July 22, 1878. WITH reference to your letter of the 3rd instant,* requesting to be informed whether the War Department will be willing to furnish a "nucleus of gunners," as requested by the Government of Newfoundland, I am directed by the Secretary of State to acquaint you, for the information of Secretary Sir Michael Hicks Beach, that it is not clear from the papers transmitted to this office whether the Government of Newfoundland wish that a certain number of men of the Royal Artillery should be provided by the Imperial Government as a nucleus on which to form a battery of local artillery, or whether drill instructors only are required.

In the former case, two sergeants, two corporals, and two bombardiers, with about ten experienced gunners, are considered sufficient; but for the latter purpose, two non- commissioned officers, one of them being an assistant instructor of gunnery, would probably suffice.

I am, therefore, to request that Secretary Colonel Stanley may be favoured with further information on these points, and also with some idea of the remuneration which would be offered by the Colonial Government, as it is not probable that competent men would be willing to undertake the duty unless sufficient pay is offered to them.

I have, &c.

No. 247.

(Signed)

BURY.

The Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor Sir A. Phayre, G.C.M.G.,

(Secret.) Sir,

K.C.S.I., C.B.

Downing Street, July 23, 1878.

I COMMUNICATED to the Secretary of State for War your despatch, Secret, of the 23rd May last,† on the subject of the defence of Mauritius, and I now have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of the War Office reply.‡

I have, &c.

(Signed)

M. E. HICKS BEACH.

No. 248.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Colonial Office to War Office.

Downing Street, July 23, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to request that Secretary Colonel Stanley will be good enough to give the necessary instructions to delay the manufacture of the guns for Canada referred to in your letter of the 18th instant, § as it is proposed to consult the Colonial Defence Committee on the subject, as stated in the letter from this Department of the 11th instant.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

* No. 218.

† No. 178.

‡ No. 238.

§ No. 241.

¶ No. 231.

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