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No. 9. Telegram from Premier of Victoria to Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. Melbourne, 8 June, 1883. Hate been urged by weighty deputation invite Australasian co-operation to induce Imperial Government annex islands from New Hebrides to New Britain and New Ireland. Credibly reported in Melbourne that 'French annexation is imminent, and will be accomplished unless prompt action be taken. Suggest each Colony telegraph urgently through Governors to Colonial Office representing immense importance to Australasia that these islands should not fall into hands of any foreign Power.

His Excellency.—A.S., 8/6/83.

No. 10. The Colonial Secretary of New South Wales to The Premier of Victoria. My dear Sir, Sydney, 8 June, 1883. I received your telegram. I have not heard any rumour of France taking hold of the islands of late years. It has always been supposed she would form New Caledonia as a centre gradually about the New Hebrides. Surprised she has not long ago. A further extension of foreign power in these seas is to bo deprecated, and therefore I have sent our Agent-General a telegram as on other side, although I see no immediate prospect either of the French or of our own Imperial authorities moving in it. I have also submitted your telegram to Lord Augustus Loftus, with the suggestion that he will bo good enough to convey similar views to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have, <fee, _____ ALEX. STUABT.

Vide No. 11

No. 11. Telegram from Colonial Secretary to Agent-General. Sydney, 8 June, 1883. Observino suggestion that England assume islands New Hebrides to New Guinea, urge Imperial Government's occupation as infinitely preferable to risk of foreign ; but we have no knowledge here of any foreign movement being imminent.

No. 12. Telegram from Premier of Victoria to Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. Melbourne, 13 June, 1883. Peopose sending telegram to our Agent-General as follows. If you concur, please communicate similarly with yours. Copy:—"Pacific Islands annexation or protectorate necessary for Australian future. Colonies willing contribute expense. In interests of natives British philanthropists should support; England should do for Australia what Australia cannot do for self. Great dissatisfaction if England fails to secure our future.

Please repeat to Albury to Mr. Stuart, and return to me.—C.W., 14/6/83. Eepeated copy to Wagga, at 1015 a.m. —C. Aspinall. Seen, and formed the subject of personal conversation with Mr. Service.—A.S., 21/6/83.

No. 13. The Agent-General to The Colonial Secretary. Sir, 5, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, S.W., 15 June, 1883. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the Bth instant, having reference to the annexation of the New Hebrides and New Guinea. I have handed a copy of your message to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and it is proposed by the Agents- General to ask Lord Derby to receive them at an early date; but before doing so we are anxious to receive replies to the messages sent to our respective Governments to ascertain if they are \ prepared to bear any portion of the cost of occupation, should the Imperial Government determine upon annexation. I have, &c, SAUL SAMUEL.

Vide No, 11

No. 14. Telegram from Agent-General to Colonial Secretary. London, 23 June, 1883. Pacific Islands, Lord Derby shortly to receive A gents-General. Question will arise in addition to expense whether Colonies will make joint and not separate engagements with Imperial Government; desirable should know if this practicable.

No. 15.