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No. 82.

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

(Telegraphic.)

PROTECTION of the telegraph cable in the event of war. Has the question been

considered?

No. 83.

Admiral Sir A. Milne, Bart., G.C.B., to Colonial Office.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Committee Room, Whitehall, May 10, 1878. I AM requested by the Colonial Defence Committee to beg to be informed of the description and numbers of local forces at St. John, New Brunswick, Sydney, Cape Breton, Pictou; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; also, whether there are any guns at those places in a serviceable condition, and, if so, in what numbers, and of what calibres.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

No. 84.

ALEX. MILNE, President.

The Right Honourable Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart., to Governor-General the Earl of

(Telegraphic. Paraphrase.)

Dufferin.

Downing Street, May 10, 1878. WILL send by to-morrow's mail recommendations of Colonial Defence Committee respecting Esquimalt.

Temporary employment of all guns now in store at Esquimalt has been sanctioned for the defence of that port.

With regard to preparing emplacements and mounting these guns in proper positions, and for organizing the force, whether purely local or embodied militia, for working them, and for the defence of the station, can you take the necessary steps?

If you require assistance of skilled officers will send them direct. Cost will be considered separately.

No. 85.

Colonial Office to Admiral Sir A. Milne, Bart., G.C.B.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 10, 1878.

I AM directed by Sir Michael Hicks Beach to transmit to you, for the consideration of the Colonial Defence Committee, the substance of a Confidential telegram which he has received from the Governor of Newfoundland with reference to the protection of the telegraph cable in the event of war.

I am to request that you will favour Sir Michael Hicks Beach with your observations upon the question to which this telegram refers.

I am, &c. (Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

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