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(Secret and Confidential.)

Sir,

164

No. 297.

Colonial Office to Post Office.

Downing Street, August 17, 1878. I AM directed by Sir Michael Hicks Beach to transmit to you the accompanying extract from a despatch from the Governor of West Australia, relative to a proposal made by Mr. Shenton, an influential member of the Legislative Council, for the calling of the mail steamers at Freemantle in future.

I am, &c. (Signed)

ROBERT G. W. HERBERT.

(Secret.) Sir,

No. 298.

Colonial Office to Colonial Defence Committee.

Downing Street, August 19, 1878. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to call the attention of the Colonial Defence Committee to their Report, dated the 1st April last, on the defence of Esquimalt and Victoria, in which it was recommended that certain guns should be provided for the purpose, and to the despatch from the Governor-General of Canada, dated the 21st June,* inclosing a Report by Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Selby Smyth on the subject.

2. As important Imperial interests are involved in the defence of Esquimalt, Sir Michael Hicks Beach will be glad to be informed whether the Committee consider the defensive measures referred to in the last paragraph but two of Lieutenant-General Sir Selby Smyth's Report are sufficient, or whether the Committee would recommend any other steps to be taken for the defence of Esquimalt and Victoria.

3. I am to inclose, for convenience of reference, a copy of the letter from the Admiralty, dated the 26th April, in which it is stated that it is extremely desirable that the harbour of Esquimalt should be provided with shore defences, to guard it from attacks from the sea.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

No. 299.

R. H. MEADE.

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

(Secret.) Sir,

Downing Street, August 19, 1878.

I HAVE the honour to transmit to you, for any observations which you may have to offer, a copy of a letter from the War Office,† requesting to be informed as to the neces- sity of the loan of the arms and accoutrements therein mentioned for the equipment of the volunteer force in Hong Kong.

2. I also transmit to you, for your information, a copy of the reply which I have caused to be addressed to the War Office pending the receipt of your Report on the subject.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

M. E. HICKS BEACH.

No. 300.

The Right Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor Sir H. St. G. Ord, R.E., K.C.M.G., C.B.

(Secret.) Sir,

Downing Street, August 20, 1878. WITH reference to your Secret and Confidential despatch of the 17th June* and to your telegram of the 20th June, I have the honour to acquaint you that I have no intention that my despatch of the 26th April should be understood as imposing upon the obligation to lay before your Legislature, or otherwise to make public, the proposal

you

• No. 259.

+ No. 217.

Nos. 276 and 292.

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