61

A.—2

2. I have submitted the request of the Board for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and they now inform me that, in their opinion, the use of the Blue Ensign should be limited to vessels actually employed by Government Departments. In the opinion of their Lordships, this limitation is now particularly desirable in view of the acceptance by the Governments of Canada and the Commonwealth of Australia at the last Imperial Conference of the proposal that the distinctive dominion flag— i.e., the Blue Ensign with the badge of the dominion —should be used as a " Jack " in His Majesty's Canadian and Australian ships. 3. The Port of London Authority and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board are the only harbour authorities which have received permission to fly the Blue Ensign, and this privilege was only granted to them in consideration of the exceptional conditions of the ports under their jurisdiction. I have, &c, L. HAKCOUKT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

No. 86. New Zealand, No. 300. My Lord, — Downing Street, 18th October, 1912. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the paper noted below on the subject of the eligibility of New Zealand cadets at the Australian Naval College for entry into the Royal Navy. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT.

The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure. Sir,— Admiralty, 14th October, 1912. With reference to your letter of the 17th ultimo, No. 29338, enclosing copy of a telegram from the Governor of New Zealand, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that on the information at present available regarding the conditions of training at the Australian Naval College, it would not be possible for their Lordships to come to any definite decision on the question whether New Zealand cadets at the Australian Naval College should be regarded as eligible for entry into the Royal Navy. The question now raised is one which, in my Lords' opinion, might well be considered at some future time, but in the meanwhile the present arrangement under which New Zealand candidates may be specially recommended for naval cadetships would continue in force. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. W. Graham Greene.

No. 87. New Zealand, No. 303. My Lord, — Downing Street, 23rd October, 1912. With reference to my despatch, No. 168, of the sth June, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a statement showing the Powers and States which have signed the International Opium Convention of the 23rd January, 1912. I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor the Right Hon. Lord Islington, K.C.M.G., D.5.0., &c.

Date. Description. 4th October, 1912 From the Admiralty.