59

A.—2

Enclosure. Question. Mr. Frederick Whyte, to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is aware that the Spanish Judge recently appointed President of the Condominium Court in the New Hebrides, and the Public Prosecutor in the same Court, arc ignorant of the English language, and that both English and Native litigants are thereby placed at a considerable disadvantage; and whether it is in his power to take action under the terms of the convention to rectify the mistake ? (22nd November, 1910.) Answer. Sir E. Grey.—lnformation has been received to the effect that the Judge and Public Prosecutor appointed to the joint Court of the New Hebrides by His Majesty the King of Spain, under the terms of the convention of 1906, know little English. This is an undoubted disadvantage, but the selection was entirely a matter for the King of Spain, and there was great difficulty and consequent delay in filling the post at all. It would be impossible for His Majesty's Government to ask that the selection should be cancelled on this ground ; but a telegram, was sent from the Colonial Office asking that provision should be made for adequate interpretation, and a reply has just been received stating that the rules of the Court now being prepared provide for the appointment of fully competent interpreters.

No. 103. New Zealand.—Miscellaneous. My Lord, — Downing Street, 25th November, 1910. I have the honour to inform you that it is the wish of His Majesty the King that the naval and military forces of his dominions beyond the seas should be adequately represented in the procession and other functions connected with His Majesty's Coronation, which will take place on the 22nd June, 1911. 2. As regards the military forces, it is thought fitting that strong detachments of troops representing respectively the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa, besides small detachments of Volunteer or Militia Forces from some of the Crown colonies, should be invited to attend on this great occasion. It is proposed that from the moment of their disembarkation in the United Kingdom to the moment of their embarkation on their return, which would probably take place about a fortnight later, all these troops shall be the guests of His Majesty's Government, aiid all arrangements for their camping, maintenance, and comfort generally shall be made by the War Office at the charge of His Majesty's Government. 3. After conference with the Earl Marshal and the Army Council, and bearing in mind the numerous considerations of detail which must be taken into account on such an occasion as this, I would suggest that the troops sent by New Zealand, if your Ministers should approve the general proposal, should approximately number two hundred. 4. It is not certain that arrangements can be made to place all the troops from the dominions in the same camp. Considerations of place and convenience may make it necessary to station the units from various dominions at different points of the London district during the time that they are not engaged on the route or otherwise in connection with the festivities. 5. I shall be glad if you will, as soon as possible, inform me by telegraph whether the arrangements as above outlined are agreeable to your Ministers; what number of troops it is proposed to send, stating the proportion of officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates; and how T many of these troops will be mounted, so that provision may be made on this side for their horses; also whether it is proposed to bring a band or any guns. 6. The arrangements for the reception of naval contingents from the overseas dominions are being concerted with the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon Lord Islington, D.5.0., &c.