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on the subject of the defence of Esquimault and Victoria, in the province of British Columbia.

The Honourable the Minister of Militia and Defence to whom said despatch has been referred, reports, that while fully alive to the obligations to provide in the future for permanent works of defence in certain parts of the Dominion, it is questionable whether it would be prudent, in the present state of the finances of the country, to undertake operations which would involve so large an expenditure as the building of permanent fortifications, for the defence of Esquimault and Victoria, would necessitate, and that he is of opinion that he would not be justified in recommending the outlay.

However, since it appears, by the above quoted despatch, that steps are now being taken by Her Majesty's Government to place the defences of those two naval stations on a more permanent footing, and that it is desired to secure the concurrence and co-operation of the Dominion Government on the subject, he has much pleasure in recommending that an officer be detailed by this Government, in accordance with the views expressed in the despatch referred to, and that such officer be instructed to proceed to Vancouver Island to assist and co-operate in the preparation of plans and reports with reference to the permanent defence of Esquimault and Victoria.

The Committee concur in the foregoing recommendation and subunit the same for your Excellency's approval.

Certified,

(Signed)

W. A. HIMSWORTH,

Clerk Privy Council.

No. 34.

Colonial Office to War Office.

(Secret and Confidential.)

Sir,

Downing Street, June 11, 1879. WITH reference to the Secret and Confidential letter from this Department of the 3rd instant, I am directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, for the information of Secretary Colonel Stanley, a copy of a Secret despatch from the Governor-General of Canada, inclosing a Report of the Dominion Privy Council relative to the works for the defence of Esquimault and Victoria.

(Signed)

1 am,

&c.

E. WINGFIELD.

**

No. 35.

War Office to Colonial Office.

(Secret and Confidential.)

Sir,

War Office, June 17, 1879. WITH reference to your Secret and Confidential letter dated 5th May, 1879, relating to the appointment of a Local Committee in Hong Kong to consider the question of enlistment of auxiliary forces to supplement the regular forces of that place, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to return the draft letter to the Governor of Hong Kong forwarded therewith, showing slight alterations (in italics), which are suggested for the concurrence of Sir M. Hicks Beach.

Secretary Colonel Stanley will, as proposed, forward a copy of the communication to the Governor, for the information of the General Officer commanding the troops at Hong Kong as soon as he learns that it has been dispatched from your office.

I have, &c.

(Signed) RALPH THOMPSON.

[708]

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