H.—27b

8

each unit. Where more than one unit from single colony, force may be commanded by officer not higher than major. In considering numbers which can be employed, Secretary of State for War guided by nature of offers, by desire that each colony should be fairly represented, and limits necessary if force is to be fully utilised by available staff as integral portion of Imperial forces; gladly accepts two units each from New South Wales and Victoria, one from South Australia. Conditions as follows : Troops to be disembarked at port of landing, South Africa, fully equipped, at cost of Colonial Government or Volunteers. From date of disembarkation Imperial Government will provide pay at Imperial rates, supplies, and ammunition, and will defray expenses of transport back to colony, and pay wound pensions and compassionate allowances at Imperial rates. Troops to embark not later than 31st October, proceeding direct to Capetown for orders.

No. 18.—Canada. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor-General the Earl of Minto. (Telegram sent 5.15 p.m., 3rd October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 40.] Secretary of State fob War and Commander-in-Chief desire to express high appreciation of signal exhibition of patriotic spirit of people of Canada shown by offers to serve in South Africa, and to furnish following information to assist organization of force offered into units suitable for military requirements : Firstly, units should consist of about 125 men; secondly, may be infantry, mounted infantry, or cavalry; in view of numbers already available, infantry most, cavalry least, serviceable; thirdly, all should be armed with -303 rifles or carbines, which can be supplied by Imperial Government if necessary; fourthly, all must provide own equipment, and mounted troops own horses ; fifthly, not more than one captain and three subalterns each unit. Whole force may be commanded by officer not higher than major. In considering numbers which can be employed, Secretary of State for War guided by nature of offers, by desire that each colony should be fairly represented, and limits necessary if force is to be fully utilised by available staff as integral portion of Imperial forces; would gladly accept four units. Conditions as follows : Troops to be disembarked at port of landing, South Africa, fully equipped, at cost of Colonial Government or Volunteers. From date of disembarkation Imperial Government will provide pay at Imperial rates, supplies, and ammunition, and will defray expenses of transport back to Canada, and pay wound pensions and compassionate allowances at Imperial rates. Troops to embark not later than 31st October, proceeding direct to Capetown for orders. Inform accordingly all who have offered to raise Volunteers.

No. 19.—New South Wales. Mr. Chambeblain to Governor Earl Beauchamp. (Telegram sent 5.55 p.m., 3rd October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 24.] Detachment New South Wales Lancers, Aldershot, volunteer for service in South Africa. Her Majesty's Government propose to accept offer in the event of mobilisation, subject to approval of your Government. This is outside of general arrangements detailed in my telegram of to-day to Governor, South Australia (No. 17).

No. 20. —Hongkong. Mr. Chambeblain to Governor Sir H. A. Blake. (Telegram sent 2.40 p.m., 4th October, 1899.) Referring to your telegram of 21st September (No. 10), Her Majesty's Government desire to express high appreciation of loyal and spirited offer by Hongkong Volunteers, but are not in position to accept.

No. 21.—Western Australia. Governor Sir Gerard Smith to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram received 7.7 p.m., sth October, 1899.) Am requested by Legislative Assembly to forward following resolution adopted this day, for information of Her Majesty the Queen and Her Majesty's Government: " That this House desires to express its loyalty and devotion to Her Majesty the Queen and its sympathy with Her Majesty's Government in the difficulties that have arisen in South Africa, and is of opinion that, in the event of war being declared, Western Australia should co-operate with the other Colonies of Australia in offering to despatch a military force to the Transvaal."

No. 22.—Victoria. Governor Lord Brassey to Mr. Chamberlain. (Extract from telegram received 12.35 p.m., 6th October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 31.] Your telegram of 4th October (No. 17) : Are units to be accompanied by regimental transport ?

No. 23.—Western Australia. Mr. Chambeblain to Governor Sir Gerard Smith, (Telegram sent 2.30 p.m., 6th October, 1899.) Her Majesty's Government highly appreciate patriotic spirit shown by resolution of Legislative Assembly, and would gladly accept one unit, consisting of 125 men, one captain, three subalterns,