85

A.—2

I beg that Your Majesty will excuse a step which is only inspired by the hope of seeing the European balance of power definitely reaffirmed. Pray accept the expression of my most cordial sentiments. R. PoiNCARE.

No. 2. The King to the President of the French Republic. Dear and great Friend, — Buckingham Palace, Ist August, 1914. I 'most highly appreciate the sentiments which moved you to write to me in so cordial and friendly a spirit, and I am grateful to you for having stated your views so fully and frankly. You may be assured that the present situation in Europe has been the cause of much anxiety and preoccupation to me, and I am glad to think that our two Governments have worked so amicably together in endeavouring to find a peaceful solution of the questions at issue. It would be a source of real satisfaction to me if our united efforts were to meet with success, and I am still not without hope that the terrible events which seem so near may be averted. I admire the restraint which you and your Government are exercising in refraining from taking undue military measures on the frontier, and not adopting an attitude which could in any wise be interpreted as a provocative one. I am personally using my best endeavours with the Emperors of Russia and of Germany towards finding some solution by which actual military operations may at any rate be postponed, and time be thus given for calm discussion between the Powers. I intend to prosecute these efforts without intermission so long as any hope remains of an amicable settlement. As to the attitude of my country, events are changing so rapidly that it is difficult to forecast future developments; but you may be assured that my Government will continue to discuss freely and frankly any point which might arise of interest to our two nations with M. Cambon. Believe me, M. le President, George R.I.

No. 91. New Zealand, No. 99. My Lord, — Downing Street, 2nd March, 1915. I have the honour to state, for the information of Your Excellency's Ministers, that the following notice relative to the blockade of the coast of German East Africa was issued here on the 26th February : — " His Majesty's Government have decided to declare a blockade of the coast of German East Africa as from midnight, 28th February-lst March. The blockade will extend along the whole coast, including the islands — i.e., from latitude 4° 41' south to latitude 10° 40' south. Four days' grace from the time of the commencement of the blockade will be given for the departure of neutral vessels from the blockaded area." I have, &c, L. HARCOURT. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G., M.V.0., &c.

No. 92. New Zealand, No. 110. My Lord, — Downing Street, sth March, 1915. I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to the question by Mr. Wilson and the reply of the Prime Minister in the Dominion Parliament respecting the position in New Zealand of the dependants of Army reservists who have been recalled to active service, and to request that you will inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Government much appreciate the generosity of the New Zealand Government in this matter. 2. You will have learned from my despatch, No. 28, of the 19th January, that the families of .these reservists are also entitled to separation allowance from Army funds at special rates, which have already been communicated by