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The measures taken last summer, however, had reference only to temporary defence; but the Secretary of State for War is desirous, now that the emergency has passed, of considering the steps that should be taken for placing these defences on a more permanent footing. With this view, as the defence of the Dockyard and Naval Station at Esquimalt is most intimately connected with that of the adjoining harbour of Victoria, Secretary Colonel Stanley would not only direct the officer whom he might send to place himself in communication with the Dominion Government, but would be most glad to secure the co-operation of any officer the Dominion Government may direct to meet him, as he con- siders that the defence of the two harbours, to be effectual, must be carried out by the Imperial and Colonial Governments in conjunction.

Colonel Stanley does not propose that the Dominion Government should bear the expense of sending out the officer.

I have, &c.

(Signed)

EUSTACE E. CECIL.

No. 6.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Colonial Office to Admiralty.

Downing Street, January 23, 1879. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, an extract of a despatch from the Governor of Western Australia with reference to the proposal to give up King George's Sound as a coaling station;* and I am to request to be informed if it in any way affects the decision already taken by their Lordships.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

No. 7.

The Marquis of Lorne, K.G., to the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach, Bart.-

(No. 13.) Sir,

(Received February 1.)

Government House, Ottawa, January 16, 1879. WITH reference to the correspondence which has passed with my predecessor on the subject of Colonial defensive organization, I have the honour of transmitting herewith a copy of a letter from the Department of the Minister of Militia and Defence, covering copies of plans of works recently constructed to protect the harbour of Esquimalt,† and to request that you will be good enough to cause them to be forwarded to the Secretary of State for War.

Inclosure in No. 7.

I have, &c. (Signed) LORNE,

Ottawa, January 16, 1879.

Sir,

IN reply to despatch (Secret) of the 6th September, 1878, relative to the defence of Esquimalt and Victoria Harbours, in British Columbia, I am directed by the Honourable the Minister of Militia and Defence to transmit the inclosed Report from Lieutenant- General Sir E. Selby Smyth, C.M.G., together with that (printed) of Lieutenant-Colonel Irwin, Royal Artillery, and plans and sketches referring thereto; and to request that his Excellency the Governor-General may be pleased to forward the same to Her Majesty's Government, in compliance with the demand of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I have, &c. (Signed)

E. PANET,

Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence.

The Military Secretary to his Excellency the Governor-General,

Ottawa.

No. 347 of Miscellaneous, No. 35 E.

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+ Not printed.

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