A.—3.

1889. NEW ZEALAND.

PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF NEW HEBRIDES BY FRANCE. (PAPERS RELATING THERETO.) (In continuation of A.-4, 1888.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Agent-Genebal to the Peemieb. Sib,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., sth April, 1888. I beg to enclose copy of a letter from the Colonial Office covering copy of a circular despatch addressed by Lord Knutsford to the Governors of Australasian Colonies, officially announcing the evacuation of the French military posts at the New Hebrides. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure. Sib,— Colonial Office, Downing Street, 31st March, 1888. With reference to previous correspondence respecting the New Hebrides, I am directed by Lord Knutsford to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a circular despatch which his Lordship has addressed to the Governors of the Australasian Colonies on the subject of the evacuation of the French posts. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. John Bbamston.

Sub-Enclosure. Sie, — Downing Street, 1888. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a telegram which has been received by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty from the Commander-in-Chief on the Australasian Station, relating to the evacuation of the French military posts in the New Hebrides. I have, &c.

Telegbam from Commander-in-Chief, Australia. D. Auckland, E. Admiralty, 24th March, 1888. —"Evacuation French military post, New Hebrides, carried out March 15."

No. 2. The Agent-General to the Peemieb. Sib,— 16th May, 1888. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a letter I have received from the Colonial Office, with its enclosures, relating to the official announcement of the evacuation of the French military posts in the New Hebrides. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.