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No. 78.

The Right Honourable Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor Hennessey, C.M.G.

(Telegraphic.)

Downing Street, May 9, 1878. SEVEN-INCH and 64-pounder guns. Tell officer in command of troops that he may take these guns from the Naval Reserves for the new works when they are ready. The Admiralty concur in this.

No. 79.

The Right Honourable Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor the Right Honourable Sir H. B. E. Frere, Bart., G.C.B., G.C.S.I.

(Secret.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 9, 1878.

I HAVE the honour to transmit to you the accompanying Secret and Confidential Report, as regards the Cape of Good Hope,* of a Committee, consisting of Sir Alexander Milne, Sir Lintorn Simmons, and Sir Henry Barkly, appointed to consider the temporary measures desirable for the defence of the more important Colonial ports in the event

of war.

2. I request that you will inform me, with the least possible delay, whether your Government will be prepared to undertake the expense of the works and armaments recommended by the Committee for Port Elizabeth, and whether it will be possible to raise a local force for the purposes indicated in their Report.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

M. E. HICKS BEACH.

No. 80.

Governor Sir J. Glover, G.C.M.G., to the Right Honourable Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.- (Received May 9.)

(Telegraphic. Paraphrase.)

(Secret and Confidential.}

REPORTS proposal to arm forts, to place torpedoes, and to organize volunteer corps of 1,000 men and 100 artillery, and that his Government will pay force. Requests to be informed by telegram if Her Majesty's Government will grant 3 heavy, 3 light, and 6 mounted guns, and 1,000 stand of arms. Is sending his Private Secretary to Halifax to make arrangements with the naval and military authorities for the supply of arms, &c.

No. 81.

+

Governor Sir J. Glover, G.C.M.G., to the Right Honourable Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.- (Received May 9.) (Telegraphic. Paraphrase.) (Confidential.)

ACKNOWLEDGES receipt of Confidential despatch of the 30th April, and states that the fortifications mentioned in the Report which accompanied the despatch were dismantled on the withdrawal of the garrison, and that there are no cannon except a signal gun at entrance of harbour.

Reports arrival in the United States of a German steamer with 63 Russian officers and 600 sailors. States that Admiral Inglefield leaves Newfoundland that day (9th May).

* Miscellaneous, No. 35.

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