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6th ultimo, that he proposes that the Earl Cadogan and Sir Henry Barkly, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., shall represent this Department and the Colonies on the proposed Committee for the consideration of the general question of the defences of the Colonies.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

ROBERT G. W. HERBERT.

(Secret.) Sir,

No. 27.

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

Downing Street, May 5, 1879. I AM directed by Sir Michael Hicks Beach to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo,t informing him of the high appreciation by the Colonial Defence Committee of the valuable assistance they have received from Captain Jekyll, R.E., who has acted as their Secretary, and by his professional knowledge and official experience has much facilitated their labours.

2. In reply, I am to state that Sir Michael Hicks Beach fully concurs in the observations of the Committee as to the valuable services rendered by Captain Jekyll.

&c.

I am,

R. H. MEADE.

(Signed)

No. 28.

Colonial Office to War Office.

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 5, 1879.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to acknowledge the receipt of your Confidential letter of the 19th April,‡ relative to the proposed appointment of a local Committee in Hong Kong to consider the question of enlistment of auxiliary forces to supplement the regular garrison of that place.

2. In reply, I am to transmit to you a copy of a despatch§ which Sir Michael Hicks Beach proposes, with the concurrence of Secretary Colonel Stanley, to address to the Governor of Hong Kong, instructing him to appoint a Committee to consider and report on the question; and if Colonel Stanley concurs in the inclosed draft despatch, Sir Michael Hicks Beach would suggest that he should send a copy to the Officer Commanding in Hong Kong, for his information and guidance.

I am, &c.

(Signed)

R. H. MEADE.

No. 29.

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

(Secret and Confidential.) Sir,

Downing Street, May 5, 1879.

I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to acknowledge the receipt of your Secret and Confidential letter of the 28th ultimo, announcing the dissolution of the Colonial Defence Committee on that date.

I am, &c.

(Signed) R. H. MEADE.

+

No. 15.

+ No. 24.

* No. 21.

§ No.

| No. 23.

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