DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, A-02

A.—2

1924. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND.

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

INDEX.

No. 1. New Zealand, Dominions No. 422. My Lord, — Downing Street, 11th December, 1922. With reference to Lord Liverpool's despatch, No. 52, of the 7th April, 1914, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses have arranged to hold their next Congress in London during July, 1923, and a British Organizing Committee has been appointed with the Eight Honourable Lord Desborough as President.

I—A. 2.

No. of leries. Date. Subject. 'age. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 li 20 21 22 23 24 25 1922. Dee. 11 „ 14 „ 29 1923. Jan. 19 „ 23 „ 23 „ 20 Feb. 6 ,. 27 Mar. 10 „ 19 >, 21 April 11 ,, 11 „ 18 „ 25 May 10 July 4 „ 19 » 20 Aug. 8 Sept. 3 „ 10 „ 29 International Association of Navigation Congresses British Empire Exhibition Protection of industrial property International Opium Convention, 1912 Regulations for travellers to Germany Pensions of Imperial pensioners serving on Permanent Staff of Dominion Military Eorces Identity registration system for seamen Empire Forestry Conference International Seed-testing Congress . . Arbitration agreements with foreign countries Entry into Royal Air Force of boy mechanics from the Dominions Tropical Diseases Bureau International Commission for Air Navigation Adoption by Royal Canadian Air Force of Royal Air Force Dress Regulations Imperial wireless communications New Zealand Customs Representative in United States British policy in Iraq Universal Electrical Communications Union Imperial pensioners resident overseas Imperial Bureau of Mycology Use of preservatives, &c, in foods Visit of Governor of American Samoa to New Zealand Conditions relating to employment of British soldiers in the Dominions, &o, Southern Rhodesia (Annexation) Order in Council Provision of inscribed tombstones over graves of New Zealand soldiers buried in United States military cemetery at Corozal Arbitration agreement between Great Britain and France Importation of dogs into Great Britain Death of President Harding : Resolutions of sympathy from Legislative Council and House of Representatives Dominions Gallery in the House of Commons Death of tho President of the United States : Acknowledgment of resolution of sympathy from New Zealand Legislature Imperial Bureau of Entomology Anglo-Italian arbitration agroement 1 2 2 2 6 8 8 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 13 14 18 16 16 17 19 20 26 27 28 Oct. 18 „ 16 » 18 21 22 23 29 30 Nov. 7 „ 19 23 24 31 32 „ 20 „ 21 25 26

A.—2

2

2. The Organizing Committee have asked that an invitation to be represented at this Congress may be extended to the Government of New Zealand, and I shall be glad to learn whether your Ministers desire to send a delegate. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c. *

No. 2. New Zealand, No. 262. My Lord, — Downing Street, 14th December, 1922. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, No. 78, of the 27th April, I have the honour to state that the Executive Council of the British Empire Exhibition have informed me that their Mission received a most cordial reception in New Zealand, and have asked me to convey to Your Excellency and to your Ministers their best thanks for the great interest taken in the aims of the Mission and for the courtesy and assistance accorded to their representatives. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 3. New Zealand, No. 275. My Lord, — Downing Street, 29th December, 1922. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 280, of the 11th October, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a letter to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations conveying the information furnished by the Government of New Zealand as to the protection of industrial property, and notifying their agreement with the aims of the draft additional articles to the Paris Convention, revised at Washington in 1911. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. (W. 10195/3831/98.) Sir— Foreign Office, S.W. 1, 19th December, 1922. With reference to your circular letter, No. 57, 1922, 11, of the 19th June last, regarding the extent of protection afforded by the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, revised at Washington in 1911, I am directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to inform you, at the request of the Government of New Zealand, that the law in that country for the protection of industrial property is substantially the same as that in Great Britain. The text of British legislation on the subject is already in your possession. 2. The Government of New Zealand, having considered the draft additional articles which it is proposed to insert in the convention, desire to express agreement with the aims of the draft, and state that they will consider favourably the introduction of legislation corresponding with such legislation as may be passed in this country for giving effect to agreements which may be reached at the conference to be held at the Hague next year. I have, <fee, The Secretary-General of the League of Nations, Geneva.

No. 4. New Zealand, Dominions No. 27. My Lord, — Downing Street, 19th January, 1923. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, Dominions No. 173, of the 31st May, 1922, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, copies of a publication issued by the Home Office

A.—2

3

containing a statement of action taken by the British Government with regard to the International Opium Convention, 1912. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. International Opium Convention, 1912. —Statement of Action taken by British Government. (Note.' —The action taken by the Indian Government is dealt with in full in a pamphlet issued by the India Office and entitled " Tho Truth about Indian Opium," and is accordingly not referred to in this pamphlet.) Part I. — Before the War. The International Opium Conference, at which Great Britain was represented, met at The Hague in 1911-12, and the International Opium Convention, 1912, which was tho result of tho Conference, and which provided for control over the production, manufacture, distribution, &c, of opium, prepared opium, medicinal opium, morphine, diamorphino (heroin), cocaine, and their salts and preparations, was ratified by tho British Government on the 15th July, 1914, on behalf of the whole British Empire. Unfortunately, before any further steps could be taken to bring the Convention into force the European War supervened, and the whole question remained in abeyance till the end of the war. Up to this time the only restrictions in force in the United Kingdom on the traffic in these drugs were the general restrictions relating to the sale of poisons which were contained in tho Poisons and Pharmacy Acts. There was no control over the import, export, or manufacture of the drugs. Part II. — During the War. As a part of the general war measures, the export of a large number of articles, including the drugs to which, the Convention applies, was prohibited except under license, and was controlled during the whole period of the war. Further, in 1916, in view of the spread of the cocaine habit among the troops, British and others, in this country, and also of difficulties caused by attempts to smuggle* opium out to China, it became necessary for the Government to take measures to control the traffic in these two drugs. A Proclamation was accordingly issued prohibiting the import of those drugs except under license, and a regulation was made under the Defence of the Realm Act restricting the right to obtain or be in possession of the drugs to authorized persons, and only allowing the supply of cocaine for medical purposes for persons for whom it had been prescribed by a medical practitioner. The sale of raw opium to the public and the manufacture, sale, or use of propared opium were prohibited. Conditions as to the keeping of records of transactions and other matters were also imposed. For the purpose of the regulation an authorized person meant a duly qualified medical practitioner, a registered dentist, a registered veterinary surgeon, a person, firm, or body corporate carrying on the retail business of a chemist and druggist under the Pharmacy Acts, or a person holding a general or special permit to purchase or be in possession, of the drug. These two measures for the first time placed the cocaine and opium traffic in the United Kingdom under effective control, and put great difficulties in the way of their being smuggled into other countries. Towards the end of the war a difficult situation arose in connection with the export of morphine. As a result of the war, largely increased quantities of morphine were required by the Allies, while at the same time the German.supplies of morphine, which before the war were very large, were cut off. Further, the supplies of the Turkish and Persian opium, which in normal times are the raw material from which morphine is manufactured, were either cut off in the case of Turkey or endangered in the case of Persia. It became necessary, therefore, to take stops to ensure an adequate supply of opium, and arrangements were made with the Indian Government to send large quantities of Indian opium to England, to be used in tho manufacture of morphine. (Indian opium is not normally used for the manufacture of morphine on account of its lower morphine content.) Very largo quantities of this morphine were supplied, to our: Allies. In 1916-17 the attention of the Government was drawn to the fact that large quantities of morphia were being exported to Japan, and that there were grounds for believing that much of this British-made morphia was being smuggled from Japan into China. Accordingly, in 1917, it was decided that no licenses should be granted for the export either of morphine or of cocaine to Japan, except when a certificate was produced from the Japanese authorities that the consignment applied for was for actual consumption in Japan (or in Dairen and vicinity) and would be used for medicinal purposes only. A notice to this effect was published in the Times of 10th October, 1917. As a result of this system exports of morphia to Japan rapidly decreased, falling from 550,000 oz. in 1917 to 36,500 oz. in 1918; and 5,686 oz. in 1919.t The figures for 1920 and 1921 were 6|oz. and 320 oz. respectively. Exports of cocaine fell to practically nil.

* It may be mentioned here that special efforts are made by British shipping companies to prevent the smuggling of opium on board their vessels by sailors and others. As great ingenuity is displayed in concealing opium, extremely careful searches have to be carried out. 'Sol instance, one steamship line requires a general search to take place at intervals, especially before arrival at China, United States, &c, ports, and the head of each Department is required to certify, in detail, that every part of the ship under his charge has been thoroughly searched. Special watchmen are also employed with a view to detecting any attempts to smuggle opium on board. f These are the amounts licensed for export and include exports through the post. In comparing the figures with tho Customs returns it must be remembered that the latter do not include exports through the post.

A.—2

4

Exports to the United States of America then began to rise rapidly, Jincreasing from 29,700 oz. in 1917 to 58,000 oz. in 19 LB, and 219,722 oz. in 1919.* An arrangement was accordingly made with the United States Government for the introduction of a similar system of Government certificates, and the adoption of this system was immediately followed by a great drop in the exports from the United Kingdom to America, the figures for 1920 being 9,02.1 oz. It was also thought desirable to introduce a similar system of certificates in respect to Canada, which helped to guard against any illicit entry of morphia into the United States via the Canadian frontier. This arrangement also produced very satisfactory results. In 1919 a similar arrangement was introduced with regard to exports of morphia to France. It was obvious, however, that piecemeal arrangements of this kind would -only divert and not stop the traffic. At the end of 1919 the Board of Trade, who were then the licensing authority, reported that large quantities of morphia had recently been imported by Switzerland from the United Kingdom, and that sudden rises had also taken place in the exports to Belgium, Denmark, Cuba, and other countries. H.M. Government accordingly decided to approach all foreign Governments with tho view to the adoption of similar arrangements. Negotiations for the purpose have beeil carried on up to the present time, and agreements have been reached with a number of countries. The progress of these negotiations has not been as rapid as the British Government had hoped, and in the meantime a careful watch has been kept on the quantities proposed to be exported to different countries. They have frequently experienced considerable difficulty, however, in connection with applications for export licenses, in deciding whether the amount applied for could be regarded as being fairly within the legitimate medical requirements of the country concerned. Generally speaking, they have followed what may be described as a rationing system in cases whore amounts seemed excessive, and where there was no guarantee from the Government of the importing country that the amount was actually required for medical or scientific purposes. In respect of morphine, which is the drug with which the trade of the United Kingdom is mainly concerned, a ration of | grain per annum per head of population has been taken roughly as the basis. The method, of course, is at the best a very imperfect makeshift. There is no definite guide at present as to what are the legitimate requirements of any country for the drugs, and no means of knowing what quantities are being imported from other countries besides Great Britain. Isolated action by one country can have no permanent effect on the international traffic while other countries allow free import and export of tho drugs. Experience shows that the trade tends to be diverted to tho latter countries (see below under Part V). This has been strikingly illustrated recently by the rise of exports of Turkish and Persian opium to the Far East, which has followed on the reduction of exports from India. Part lll. — The Treaties of Peace. At the end of 1918, with the cessation of hostilities and the opening of peace negotiations, the question of putting into effect the International Opium Convention of 1912 again came to tho fore. In a note addressed by the Ambassador of tho United States of America to the British Government in August, 1918, it was proposed that the Allied Powers should declare their intention of putting the Convention into force at once. An alternative proposal was made by the British Government that the ratification and enforcement of the Convention should be made one of the terms of the Conditions of Peace. This proposal, was eventually adopted, and articles in similar terms were inserted in all the Treaties of Peace, which provided that ratification of tho Treaty should be deemed, to be equivalent to ratification of the Convention, and that the necessary legislation to give effect to the Convention should bo passed within twelve months from the coming into force of the Treaty. Further, it was agreed in the Treaties that, subject to and in accordance-with the provisions of international conventions existing or hereafter to bo agreed upon, tho League of Nations should be entrusted with the general supervision over the traffic in opium and other dangerous drugs. Part IV. — The Enforcement of the Opium Convention. In 1920 the British Government passed the legislation necessary to give effect in the United Kingdom to the Opium Convention as required by the Treaties of Peace. This legislation, which is entitled " The Dangerous Drugs Act, 1920," and the regulations and Orders which have been made under it, establish a complete system of control over the drugs to which the Convention applies. No person can lawfully import, export, manufacture, or supply the drugs unless he is licensed or authorized for the purpose, and no person may have such drugs in his possession unless he is so licensed or authorized, or unless they have been prescribed for his use by a duly qualified medical practitioner, dentist, &c. Opium-smoking is absolutely prohibited. As regards exports of the drugs, a separate license has to be obtained in respect of each consignment proposed to be exported. The necessary measures for the control of the traffic in accordance with the Convention have also been taken (or in a few cases are about to be taken) in all the colonies, possessions, and protectorates of the British Empire. In the case of the self-governing Dominions the responsibility for the enforcement of the Convention rests with tho Dominion Governments, by whom effective measures are being taken. Part V. — The Work of the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations. At the first meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations the question of the arrangements to be made by tho League for the execution of the supervisory duties entrusted to it by the Treaties came up for consideration, and it was proposed by Mr. Barnes, one of the delegates of the British

* These are the amounts licensed for export and include exports through the post. In comparing the figures with the Customs returns it must be romembered that the latter do not include exports through the post.

5

A.—2

Government, that an Advisory Committee should be appointed " in order to secure the fullest possible co-operation between the various countries in regard to the matter and to assist and advise the Council in dealing with any questions that may arise," special provision being made for the representation on the Committee of the United States of America and other countries not members of the League, whose co-operation was important. This proposal was adopted. The first meeting of the Committee was hold in May, 1921. At this meeting, on the motion of the British representative, the Committee decided on two important recommendations—the first, that all members of the League should be asked to adopt a system of control over imports and exports by means of importation certificates, on the lines on which the British Government had already been proceeding; the other that an inquiry should be made into tho world's requirements of the drugs. The system of importation certificates was approved by the Council and Assembly of the League and recommended for adoption to all members of the League. The British Government has accepted the system both for the United Kingdom and for its colonies (other than the Dominions), possessions, and protectorates. Part VI. — Opium-smoking in British Colonies. By the Second Hart of the Opium Convention tho contracting Powers undertook to take measures for the gradual and effective suppression of the manufacture of, internal trade in, and use of prepared opium (i.e., smoking-opium). Opium-smoking is still permitted in certain British colonies, and it is desirable to state what steps have been taken to carry out the obligations undertaken in the Treaty, and what is the present position. The colonies or possessions whore opium-smoking is still allowed by law are Hong Kong, the Straits Settlements and Malay States, British North Borneo, Ceylon, and Wei-hai-wei. Hong Kong. —With the exception of the small European, Eurasian, and Indian colonies the population is entirely Chinese, (according to census of 1921, Chinese 610,368, others 14,798). Tho public smoking-resorts, known as opium-divans, were finally abolished, in 1910, and in 1914 the monopoly, which previously had been farmed out, was taken by the Government into its own hands. A reduction in the consumption has been gradually effected, until it has fallen in the last ten years from 900 chests to 240 per annum. This has been brought about partly by the increasing strictness of the Government control, partly by the raising of the selling-price of opium. Purchasers are limited to one tael (=lJoz.) at a time, except in the case of certain registered persons, who may buy three-tael tins, and no one may have more than five taels in his possession. At the same time the price has been gradually advanced from $5-50 to $15 a tael. The consumption amounts at the present time to something less than 1 oz. per annum of raw opium per head of the Chinese population, and as it is anticipated that new smokers will not to any extent take the place of tho present old smokers, a continual diminution of consumption is expected to occur. To prevent smuggling out of the colony the opium is packed in such a way that it easily leaks out from its receptacle. It is considered doubtful whether further restrictive measures would produce any good result. The essential difficulty of the situation lies in the ease with which, by reason of its geographical situation, opium can be smuggled into the colony as long as its production and distribution are permitted on tho mainland. It has been proved by experience that any material increase in the monopoly's selling-rate or decrease in its output is counteracted by a corresponding activity on the part of the illicit traders. Opium is smuggled in from several quarters, even as far as the Persian Gulf ; but the main source of supply is China, where, owing to the large quantities of opium which are being produced, the market price is much lower than the Government price in Hong Kong. Thousands of persons pass to and fro every day between China and the colony on foot, and by boat, junk, steamer, and train, and an essential condition of the suppression of opium-smoking in Hong Kong is the effective control by the Chinese Government of the production of opium in China. Strict preventive measures are taken, but are only very partially successful. Even so, the measures taken to check smuggling have long been a cause of complaint among the Chinese. They object most strongly to the search of person and baggage which takes place on every wharf on arrival and departure in the colony, and they declaim against the bribery and corruption which in the circumstances are inevitable. It is, unfortunately, the case that no detective measures have very much success unless very large rewards are offered, and these rewards breod a most undesirable spawn of informers. The Chinese will have opium if it can be procured, and, in proportion as the monopoly's product ceases to be available, while outside sources, and especially sources in China, remain open, so will smuggling increase. Tho establishment of a preventive service capable of effectually stopping the illicit traffic into the colony is regarded as an impossible task except at a prohibitive cost. Recently, owing to the serious increase of smugglimg from China in 1920 and 1921, the penalty of banishment was introduced for persons convicted of complicity in the traffic. This policy appears to be of considerable effect both as a deterrent and in ridding the colony of members of smuggling g an 8 8 - . . . . . ... Hong Kong is ready and willing to co-operate in the suppression of the traffic, and it will have no hesitation in accepting any financial sacrifice that may bo entailed in making suppression effective. But suppression is impracticable except pari passu with similar measures in the neighbouring territories. Under the present conditions the existing system of control, so far as it goes, is satisfactory ; the consumption per head of the population is very small; and the abandonment of tho Government monopoly, so far from effecting any real good, would merely deprive the authorities of their present power to keep the opium habit within bounds. Straits Settlements. —Here also the problem arises only in connection with the Chinese! population, and has been dealt with on much the same lines as in Hong Kong. With a view to enabling the Government to maintain a closer control over the use of opium, the system of " farming " was abolished, and the manufacture and sale of prepared opium (or chandu)

A.—2

6

was made a Government monopoly in 1910. Retail sale is only permitted at licensed shops or licensed public smoking-rooms, and. is subject to stringent regulations. Prepared opium may not be sold to any one but an adult male. Though public smoking-rooms have not been entirely abolished, the number has been gradually reduced from 503 (in 1909) to 211. Successive increases in tho price* of chandu have also been made, and. the wholesale price, which in 1910 was $3 a tael, is now $12. The effect of these measures was a continuous reduction in the amount of prepared opium, sold, and also in the amount consumed per head of the population up to 1917. The decrease from 1911 to 1917 amounted to 355 per cent. The years 1918 to 1920, however, have shown an increase, which may be due in part to increased wages of labourers. As in. the case of Hong Kong, tho Government, in pursuing its policy of increasing the price of opium, has to have regard to the danger of smuggling both by sea and from China (Fukion). The two principal settlements, with the two chief ports, are in the fairway of all seaborne traffic between the East and West; there is also a sparsely inhabited seaboard to the other portions of the colony ; there is communication by land with Siam ; and the population is to a large extent migratory. It is feared that if the measures taken are too restrictive smuggling will be increased and trade in morphine and. cocaine, which caused much evil in 1904-10, may bo revived. At the beginning of 1920 an attempt was made to reduce consumption by a system of rationing, under which retailers were supplied with only 90 per cent, of their former average purchases. Great dissatisfaction was produced, and by the end of April it was found necessary to abandon the attempt. Malay Slates. —All supplies of prepared opium are obtained from the Government factory, Singapore, and the general regulations are similar to those in force in tho Straits Settlements. Sale is allowed through licensed persons to Chinese only. Consumption has been reduced (1) by successive increases in the prices charged for chandu throughout Malaya, and (2) in the Federated Malay States by a reduction of the number of licensed shops from over seven hundred prior to the introduction of the monopoly system to 288 in 1919. In the Federated Malay States the sales to licensed retailers had decreased by 30 per cent, between 1911 and 1918, although latterly the consumption, has remained fairly constant. It is now the policy of the Government to replace tho private shops for tho sale of chandu for consumption off the premises by Government shops, in order to take the sale of chandu out of the hands of persons financially interested in fostering the trade. British North Borneo. —With a view to controlling and restricting tho consumption of opium in the territory, the trade, which was formerly left to private individuals, has been taken by the Government into its own hands with beneficial results. Consumption of opium, is absolutely limited to Chinese. Certain, selected traders in each district which Chinese inhabit arc licensed to requisition on the central store for an amount proportionate to the number of Chinese male adults in the district. The annual consumption of prepared opium per head of the adult male Chinese population during the years 1919, 1920, and 1921 was 8| oz., 1\ oz., and oz. respectively. The price charged has been advanced at intervals contemporaneously with similar increases in the Straits Settlements, and is now $9-50 per tael. Ceylon. —Great progress has been made since 1910 in reducing the consumption of prepared opium. Import and sale have been brought under the direct control of the Government. Opium may only be sold by authorized persons, and a system of registration of opium-consumers has been established. The price has been raised from time to time, and tho consumption of both kinds is decreasing. The number of consumers has been reduced from twenty-four thousand in 1910 to twelve thousand in 1920, and. the allowances have been diminished. Save in very exceptional cases, fresh persons are not placed on the register. Considerable quantities of opium and opium products are, however, smuggled into Ceylon and used by the Natives. Mauritius. —Opium-smoking until recently existed on a small scale in Mauritius, but in February of this year it was forbidden by law. Wei-hai-wei. —Permits to smoke opium are issued only to confirmed smokers by a Government Medical Officer. There are no opium-divans. The number of registered opium-smokers in 1920 was 58, and, as no fresh, permits are being issued, the suppression of the habit will proceed pari passu with the death of the present smokers. In accordance with the announcement made by Lord Balfour at Washington, Wei-hai-wei will shortly bo returned to China, and British responsibility will then, of course, cease. It will be seen from the foregoing recital that a steady and continuous effort has been made during the last ten years to reduce the practice of opium-smoking in British colonies and protectorates where it has been prevalent. The general policy has been to exercise a close control over the trade to bring tho average consumption within moderate limits and, as far as possible, to prevent the illicit introduction of supplies. Further than this it does not seem possible to go as long as production and distribution go unchecked in the neighbouring countries. Complete suppression can only be brought about by simultaneous measures in all the countries concerned. Home Office, November, 1922.

No. 5. New Zealand, Dominions No. 33. My Lord, — Downing Street, 23rcl January, 1923. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, copies of a memorandum entitled " Begulations for Travellers to Germany," which has been drawn up in accordance with the latest information supplied by the German Government.

M A.—2.

2. Owing to imperfect acquaintance with the German import and export regulations several British visitors to Germany have recently experienced considerable difficulties in that country, and in some cases this has resulted in delay, personal inconvenience, and confiscation of part of the traveller's belongings. I should therefore be glad if your Ministers would cause the information contained in the memorandum to be brought to the notice of all persons proposing to proceed to Germany. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Regulations foe Travellers to Germany. 1. Passports and Visa Regulations. All persons crossing the German frontier must produce a valid national passport establishing their identity. Passports of foreign nationals must bear the visa of a competent German authority both for entering as well as for leaving Germany. German nationals require a visa for leaving Germany only. In the case of travellers living or permanently residing in Germany—no matter whether they are German nationals or not —the visa can bo replaced by a permit (" Unbedenklichkeitsvermerk ") issued by the competent German Finanzamt. The necessary visas will, in foreign countries, be granted by the German diplomatic and consular representatives, and in Germany by the competent German authorities (Polizeiprdsidien, Landratscimter, Bezirksumler, &c). 2. Regulations as to Import and Export of Currency. On entering Germany. —Travellers carrying more than 50,000 marks in German currency or the equivalent in foreign currency, notes, cheques, bills, any negotiable instruments, or in coin should apply to the German Customs officials at the place of entry for a -certificate stating the actual amount imported. This certificate serves as a permit on leaving Germany to travellers carrying sums up to the equivalent amount. On leaving Germany. —No coin of whatever currency may be exported from Germany without a certificate of previous importation as above. Paper (bank-notes, cheques, bills, or any other negotiable instruments) up to 50,000 marks or the equivalent in foreign currency can be freely exported. Sums exceeding 50,000 marks may only be exported on producing certificate of importation or an export license issued by a German Finanzamt. 3. Regulations as to Import and Export of Goods. Under the existing regulations in Germany the great majority of articles of any description are prohibited from being cither imported or exported except upon the production of a German import or export license. These regulations apply especially to travellers:— (a.) On entering Germany. —Without a certificate of import from the competent German authorities, travellers who take with them such articles only as are actually required for personal use during the journey or for the execution of the traveller's profession during the journey. (b.) On leaving Germany. —Travellers may take with them without providing themselves with an export license the following articles : — (I.) Articles which the traveller has taken with him on entering Germany; evidence that this was the case may, however, in certain circumstances be demanded, more especially in the case of articles of value, such as jewellery. Travellers entering Germany are therefore advised to obtain a certificate of importation for all such articles from the German Customs officials on entering Germany. (2.) Further, only such articles as are required for the traveller's personal use during the journey or for the execution of his profession during the journey. In the case of new articles (purchased during his sojourn in Germany) this is conditional upon the traveller declaring same to the German Customs officials without any attempt at evasion or concealment. In their own interest, therefore, travellers are earnestly advised to open and place before the Customs officials all their luggage for examination. (4.) In all other cases an export license is required for prohibited articles. Import and export licenses are (provided, the articles bought do not in any way contravene the regulations as to the control of export trade) obtainable at the competent export trade departments (Aussenhandelsstellen). The above regulations are subject to alterations. Travellers are therefore advised on entering Germany to make inquiries with the Customs officials at the place of entry or, before leaving Germany after a prolonged stay, at the Tourists' Offices as to any changes in the regulations.

7

A.—2

No. 6. New Zealand, No. 15. My Lord, — Downing Street, 23rd January, 1923. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that it has been decided that Imperial pensioners who were serving on the Permanent Staff of a Dominion or Colonial Military Eorce on the outbreak of war may have reassessment of their pre-war pensions with effect from the Ist April, 1919 ; or, if they undertook a special engagement for war service, the reassessed rate shall be granted from the Ist April, 1919, or from the date (if later) on which the war engagement terminated and they reverted to the Perm anient Staff. 2. In this connection reference is invited to Army Order No. 325 of the 13th September, 1919. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 7. New Zealand, Dominions No. 38. My Lord,— Downing Street, 26th January, 1923. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, Dominions No. 483, of the 3rd December, 1921, and to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 123, of the 13th May last, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that, as a result of the inquiries that were made, the Board of Trade found that most Governments were prepared to accept a seaman's discharge-book in lieu of a passport or an identity certificate for the purposes of any regulations affecting the temporary landing of foreign seamen in their respective countries, but that in a great many cases it would be necessary for a photograph of the seaman to be fixed to his discharge-book in order that it might be accepted for this purpose. 2. The Board of Trade accordingly brought the matter to the notice of the seamen's organizations, and have suggested, that they might wish to advise their members to have photographs inserted in their discharge-books; and the Superintendents of Mercantile Marine Offices have been instructed to authenticate such photographs, when requested to do so, by impressing the office - stamps partly on the photograph and partly on the book. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 8. New Zealand, No. 26. My Lord, — Downing Street, 6th February, 1923. With reference to Lord Milner's despatch, Dominions No. 16, of the 10th January, 1921, and to the report of the proceedings of the British Forestry Conference held in London, 1920, copies of which were subsequently transmitted to Your Excellency from the Office of the Forestry Commission, I have the honour to request you to remind your Ministers that it was considered desirable that meetings of a similar character should be held at least once every three years in order that the component parts of the Empire might have an opportunity to come closer in touch with each other for the purpose of discussing progress in forestry and for the exchange of ideas regarding policy and methods. More particularly I have to refer to Resolution No. 11 of the Conference in which the desire was expressed that, with the approval of the Dominion Government, the next meeting should be held in Canada during 1923. I have now received from the Governor-General of Canada a despatch stating that the Canadian Government have approved the suggestion, and have arranged for

8

9

A.—2

the Conference to be convened in Canada during the summer of the present year. It is proposed to hold the official meetings in Ottawa, and to arrange tours to various parts of the Dominion for the observation of forest conditions and operations. In view of the great distances to be covered and the necessity of visiting the Pacific coast, a total period of six or seven weeks will be required for the Conference. Taking into consideration the weather conditions usually experienced, and keeping in view the convenience of the organizations through whom arrangements will have to be made, it is at present proposed to open the Conference during the last week of July, and to continue it during August, and for approximately one week in September. In determining the arrangements for the approaching Conference, as well as the number of representatives to be invited, the Canadian Government, having in view the financial limitations of the occasion as well as other necessary considerations, have decided to use as a basis the arrangements for the Conference held in 1920. The Canadian Government are anxious that the self-governing Dominions (including the States having separate forest administrations), India, and the colonies shall be represented at the Conference, and I have accordingly been asked to express on their behalf the hope that your Ministers will be able to nominate two representatives. Tn view of the shortness of time within which the arrangements must be made, I trust that your Ministers will be able to reply to the Canadian Government's invitation at an early date, and I would suggest that the reply should be sent direct to that Government at the same time that you acknowledge this despatch. In transmitting this invitation on behalf of the Government of Canada it may not be out of place to add that the Forestry Commissioners, who made the arrangements for the 1920 Conference in this country, are in hearty concurrence with their proposals. They consider, and I agree in their opinion, that the Conference will prove of great utility, not only from the point of view of forestproduction but also as a step in the direction of general Imperial development, while the fact that the Conference is to be held in a Dominion the forests of which form one of the largest sources of supply of coniferous timber within the Empire cannot fail to contribute to its success. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 9. New Zealand, Dominions No. 63. My Lord,— Downing Street, 27th February, 1923. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, No. 173, of the 9th September, 1921, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that it is proposed to hold the Second International Seed-testing Congress in this country from the 7th to 12th July, 1924. The Congress will be held partly in London and partly at Cambridge. His Majesty's Government hope that the New Zealand Government will nominate two delegates to attend the Congress. 2. One of the questions which will be discussed at the Congress will be the necessity for raising funds with which to defray the expenses incurred in connection with any schemes for correlating the work of the various official seed-testing stations on problems connected with seed-analyses which the Congress may wish to develop. The cost of the schemes approved at the 1921 Congress is being defrayed by the Danish Government, but, as that country cannot be expected to continue to meet these charges after 1924, it is to be suggested that countries participating in the Congress should contribute an annual sum for this purpose. 3. It is therefore hoped that the New Zealand Government will be prepared to contribute an annual subscription of not exceeding £50 to a fund on which could be borne the cost of any work of correlation which the Congress may decide is necessary in the interests of international trade. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

2—A. 2.

A.—2

10

No. 10. New Zealand Dominions No. 81. My Lord,— Downing Street, 10th March, 1923. With reference to Viscount Milner's despatch, Dominions No. 389, of the 16th May, 1919, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the following arbitration agreements with foreign countries, which are renewable at intervals of five years, will expire on the dates mentioned unless formally renewed :- France--Agreement of 14th October 1903, to 14th October, 1923. Ita y —Agreement of Ist February, 1904, to Ist February, 1924. Spain—Agreement of 27th February, 1904, to 27th February, 1924. United States-Convention of 4th April, 1908, to 4th June 1923. 2. His Majesty's Government propose, in accordance with the established policy, which, they understand, is in harmony with the views of your Ministers, to take steps for the renewal of these agreements and. convention in due course. 3. 1 should be glad to learn, by telegraph whether your Ministers agree. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., O.M. G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 11. New Zealand, Dominions No. 106. My Lord— Downing Street, 19th March, 1923. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, Dominions No. 45, of the 6th February, 1922, and to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 108, of the Ist May, 1922, regarding the entry into the Royal Air Force of boy mechanics from the Dominions, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that the Air Council are prepared to regard the scheme as now in operation, and to receive boys duly passed by the authorities concerned in the Dominions at any future entry. 2. The Air Council are also prepared, to send copies of the examination-papers set in this country to any of the Dominions in which the authorities desire to receive them. These papers could then be used by such authorities either as the actual papers for their own examinations or as models on which other papers could be framed. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the former event the date of examination should be so fixed that the papers could not have heen received from England in the ordinary course and. read, by any prospective candidate in the Dominion concerned before the examination took place there. Apart from this consideration, it would, only be necessary for the examinations to be held at such times as would enable successful candidates to join the training establishment atone or other of the two normal periods of entry each. year. 3. Should your Ministers desire to receive copies of these papers, 1 would suggest that the most convenient procedure would be for arrangements for their transmission to be made direct between the High Commissioner and the Air Ministry. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 60. My Lord,- . Downing Street, 21st March, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's despatch, No. 14, of the 17th January, regarding the Tropical Diseases Bureau, and to request you to inform your Ministers that their decision to contribute to the Bureau is greatly appreciated. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., fee.

11

A.—2

No. 13. New Zealand, Dominions Treaty No. 14. My Lord,- Downing Street, 11th April, 1923. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that a question has arisen as to the apportionment of the contribution of the British Empire towards the cost of the organization and operations of the International Commission for Air Navigation established under Article 34 of the International Air Convention. 2. The contribution of the British Empire has been fixed under this article at 20,000 francs (paper) for the year 1922, and at 40,000 francs (paper) for the year 1923. In addition to this contribution, travelling and subsistence expenses of the British representatives, who at your Ministers' request are representing for the time being the Government of New Zealand, and are also representing the Governments of the other Dominions and of India, amounted during 1922 to £305 9s. 7d., and are estimated to amount in a normal year to about £1,000. 3. As under Article 34 of the Convention the Commission is placed under the direction of the League of Nations, it has been suggested that the best method of apportioning the above expenses for the years 1922 and 1923 amongst the various parts of the Empire would be to adopt the scale to be adopted in the case of the contributions to the expenses of the League of Nations for the year 1923. I should be glad to learn whether your Ministers concur in this suggestion. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount*Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 14. New Zealand, No. 79. My Lord,— Downing Street, 11th April, 1923. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that at the instance of the Canadian Government arrangements have been made for the adoption by the Royal Canadian Air Force of the Royal Air Force Dress Regulations, modified, only so far as the lettering on the Royal Air Force badges is concerned. 2. The Air Council attach some importance to the wearing of a common uniform by the various Air Forces, and have requested me to state that if an opportunity should occur of making a change in the uniform of the Air Force of New Zealand they would be happy to assent to any proposal put forward by your Government for the adoption of the Royal Air Force uniform. 3. A similar despatch is being sent to the Governors-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Union of South Africa. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His .Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., fee.

No. 15. New Zealand, Dominions No. 139. My Lord,— Downing Street, 18th April, 1923. With reference to my telegram of the 6th March, on the subject of Imperial wireless communications, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Government of India is now free to make its own arrangements in regard to long-distance wireless telegraphy. 2. In communicating with the Government of India the Secretary of State for India hes expressed the hope that, in view of the decision of His Majesty's Government to proceed at once with the erection of a high-power Government station in this country which will be available for commercial as well as for Government

12

A.—2

traffic, the Government of India will take steps to ensure that any private enterprise to which the erection of a high-power station in India may be entrusted shall be under an obligation to receive at that station traffic sent from Government stations in this country, if so required, and to send acknowledgments, requests for repetition, and other usual service matter in connection with such traffic, whether received by the privately owned station in India or otherwise, upon reasonable terms. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., fee.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 87. My Lord, — Downing Street, 25th April, 1923. With reference to Your Excellency's telegram of the 9th April, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has been requested to inform the United States Government officially of the appointment of Mr. William James Stevenson as the official representative in the United States of the Customs Department of New Zealand, and to ask for all proper facilities to be extended to him. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., fee

No. 17. New Zealand, Dominions No. 163. My Lord,— Downing Street, 10th May, 1923. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, Dominions No. 377, of the 17th October, 1922, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a statement made in the House of Commons on the 3rd May regarding British policy in Iraq. A similar statement was made by me in the House of Lords on the same date. I have, fee, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., fee.

Enclosure. Extract from House ok Commons Hansabd, dated 3rd May, 1923. Lieutenant-Colonel Spender-Clay asked the Prime Minister, Whether Sir Percy Cox, on leaving Iraq, has been authorized to make any further announcement of policy ; if so, what; and whether such policy has been discusssed with, and agreed by, King Feisal and the Arab Government ? *X H» . $ ijfi Mr. Baldwin. —An announcement has been made to-day by Sir Percy Cox in Bagdad, with the authority of His Majesty's Government and with the full approval of King Feisal and his Government. The announcement was as follows :— " It will be remembered that in the autumn of last year, after a lengthy exchange of views, it was decided between the Governments of His Britannic Majesty and His Majesty King Feisal that a Treaty of Alliance should be entered into between His Britannic Majesty and His Majesty the King of Iraq. This Treaty, which was signed on the 10th October, 1922, and the term of which was to be twenty years (subject to periodical revision at the desire of either party), provided for the establishment of an independent constitutional Government in Iraq, enjoying a certain measure of advice and assistance from Great Britain of the nature and extent indicated in the text of the Treaty itself and of subsidiary agreements which were to be made thereunder." Since then the Iraq Government has made great strides along the pjath of independent and stable existence, and has been able successfully to assume administrative responsibility, and both parties being equally anxious that the commitments and responsibilities of His Majesty's Government in respect of Iraq should be terminated as soon as possible, it is considered that the period of the Treaty

13

A.—2

in its present form can conveniently be shortened. In order to obviate the inconvenience of introducing amendments'into the body of a Treaty already signed, it has been decided to bring about the necessary modifications by means of a Protocol which, like the Treaty itself, will be subject to ratification by the Constituent Assembly. Accordingly a Protocol has now in\the following terms :— "It is understood between the High Contracting Parties that, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 18, the present Treaty shall terminate upon Iraq becoming a member of the League of Nations, and in any case, not later than four years from the ratification of peace with Turkey. Nothing in this Protocol shall prevent a fresh agreement from being concluded with a view to regulate the subsequent relations between the High Contracting Parties ; and negotiations for that object shall be entered into between them before the expiration of the above period." It will be noticed that under this Protocol the Treaty in its present form is to terminate on the entry of Iraq into the League of Nations, or in four years, whichever may be earlier. . The position of Iraq as regards the League is that when the Treaty has been ratified His Britannic Majesty will be bound under Article 6 to use his good offices to secure the admission of Iraq to membership of the League of Nations as soon as possible. His Majesty's Government will be in a position to take this step on the fulfilment of the two following essential conditions—namely, the delimitation of the frontiers of Iraq and the establishment of a stable Government in accordance with the organic law. There is every reason to hope that both "these conditions will be fulfilled at no distant date. The effect of these arrangements is that, if the conditions are fulfilled, His Majesty's Government will be in a position to support an application by Iraq for membership of the League of Nations, which implies full and complete independence, at any time within a maximum of four years from the ratification of peace with Turkey. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the deep appreciation of His Majesty's Government for the distinguished and devoted services of Sir Percy Cox and all. the officers who have so loyally co-operated with him in circumstances of great difficulty, and, in some cases in the past, of personal danger. 1 feel sure that the House will agree that the step which has been taken to-day is a fitting culmination of the great work which Sir Percy Cox has performed during thirty-nine years in the service of the Crown. *****

No. 18. New Zealand, Dominions No. 239. My Lord, — Downing Street, 4th July, 1923. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 44, of the sth February, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to imforrh your Ministers that His Majesty's Government have had under examination the Revised Draft Convention and Regulations of the Universal Electrical Communications Union, and more particularly those. articles of the Draft Convention—namely, the last section of Article 21, and Articles 22 and 24 —which relate to the exercise of votes in Conferences and to accessions to the Convention. 2. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that these three articles need revision in certain important particulars, and they propose to suggest that the articles should be replaced by new articles, of which drafts are enclosed. 3. It is proposed also that the revised articles shall be accompanied by the enclosed note, explanatory of the object of the revision, which is, as your Ministers will observe, to ensure that any Government on whose behalf a separate signature has been affixed to the Convention, or an individual notice of accession is given under the article designated B, shall be regarded as a Contracting Government and as such entitled to a vote at general Conferences of delegates. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Articles concerning Votes and Accessions. A. General Conferences of delegates of the Contracting Governments shall take place periodically, each Conference fixing the place and time of the next meeting. In the deliberations each Contracting Government shall be entitled to one vote. B. Any non-signatory Government (whether of an independent State, Dominion, colony, possession, protectorate, or territory under mandate) which conducts its own telegraph administration, either

A.—2

14

directly or through the medium of private enterprise, may accede to the present Convention. Such accession will be notified through the diplomatic channel to the Contracting Government in whose territory the last Conference was held, and by that Government to the other Contracting Governments. The accession will, in itself, carry with it acceptance of all the clauses of, and admission to all the advantages conferred by, the present Convention. In the event of the accession to the present Convention of the Government of a State having colonies, possessions, protectorates, or territories under mandate, the notice of accession shall state whether or not it applies to such colonies, possessions, protectorates, or territories, or any of them. C. For the purposes of the present Convention any Government on whose behalf a separate signature has been affixed to the Convention, or an individual notice of accession is given under Article B, shall be regarded as a Contracting Government. Draft Note on the British Proposals regarding Votes and Accessions. The draft prepared at Washington assigned multiple votes to certain specified Governments. This proposal, though it might perhaps be held to represent the telegraphic importance of the Powers concerned, seems logically to involve a general grading of States for purposes of votes, a matter which it would obviously be difficult to arrange satisfactorily, and which might involve the Conference at its outset in long and fruitless debate. The British Government, on further consideration, is inclined to think that the principle of the equality within tho Convention of the Contracting Governments as defined in Article C should be taken as the basis, and that one vote only should be exercised by each Contracting Government. The existing signatories of the Telegraph and Radio-telegraph Conventions will naturally form the great majority of signatories of the combined Convention, each Government which is separately represented being regarded as a Contracting Government. In the provision made in Article B for future accessions #t is proposed to restrict the right of accession to Governments which conduct their own telegraph administration either directly or through the medium of private enterprise. It is thought that this proposal will meet with general assent, its object being to ensure that each territory which for telegraph purpose may be regarded, as an administrative unit, and capable as such of making a useful and independent contribution to the deliberations of Conferences, and which has a substantial amount of international telegraph traffic, shall be, qualified lor a vote. So far as the British Government is concerned, it is suggested that not more than one vote should be claimed in respect of the British non-self-governing colonies, protectorates, &c, it being understood that the British Government itself and the Governments of each of the self-governing Dominions and of India would be entitled, in view of their international telegraphic importance, to sign separately or to accede separately under Article 23.

No. 19. New Zealand, No. 147« My Lord, — Downing Street, 6th July, 1923. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Minister of Pensions has recently had under consideration the arrangement under which the Governments of the various Dominions and colonies undertake the payment of pensions and other incidental charges in respect of Imperial pensioners resident overseas. 2. Such arrangements have included the transmission of periodical schedules of payment made, supported by various vouchers and documents to enable the Ministry of Pensions to carry out the necessary verification. Arising out of this verification considerable correspondence and requests for further information on particular payments have been necessary before the accounts could be cleared finally. Moreover, the time which has elapsed before many of the investigations could be completed has rendered the result abortive in many cases. 3. With a view to avoiding delay and unnecessary correspondence the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have agreed that — (].) Further investigation of accounts in respect of payments made prior to the 31st March, 1921, should be waived, and the accounts should be passed as they stand at present. (2.) Special arrangements should be made by the Ministry of Pensions to clear the accounts submitted for the years 1921-22 and 1922-23, provided a test check proves satisfactory. (3.) In each Dominion the appropriate Government Audit Department should be approached, with a view to their carrying out, as from, the Ist April, 1923, a local audit; and the claims should be certified by them as correct before transmission to the Ministry of Pensions, London.

15

A.—2

4. In regard to (1) above, it would therefore be unnecessary for the various Governments to take any further action on any outstanding matters relating to the accounts for the period prior to 31st March, 1921. 5. As regards (3), the Minister of Pensions states that all new or amending awards will be examined and confirmed in this country by the officers of his Department, and the duty of the Government Audit Department in this connection would be limited to ensuring that payments are not continued on awards which are .not confirmed by the Minister of Pensions. The Minister would also be glad if the Audit Department could verify completely the claims for repayment made by the Dominion Government, both as regards the arithmetical accuracy and the basis of the claims. 6. So far as concerns the examination of detailed payments made by the Dominion Government on behalf of the Minister, it is desired that the examination of the Audit Department shall cover — (i.) Regularity — (a.) To ensure that pension-payments are in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Ministry — e.g., that pension-payments are authorized by an award confirmed by the Department. (b.) To ensure that medical charges are in respect of treatment for a disability accepted by the Minister as attributable to or aggravated by service in the Great War. (c.) To ensure that miscellaneous payments — e.g., travellingexpenses, subsistence, &c. —are within the scale and conditions agreed to by the Minister. (ii.) Life certificates —to ensure that properly completed life certificates are furnished periodically as required by regulations, (iii.) Arithmetical accuracy of claims. 7. It is considered that in order adequately to meet this requirement a detailed examination of not less than 10 per cent, of payments should be made, but the Minister would rely on the Audit Department extending its examination wherever the test check indicated that fuller scrutiny was desirable. 8. It is also proposed that the appropriate vouchers and other documents should be retained by the various Governments, subject to the proviso that, should the Comptroller and Auditor-General in this country wish to carry out further audit, the necessary facilities should be afforded him and, if required, the appropriate documents be transmitted, for the purpose. 9. In regard to the retention of vouchers and other documents, it is proposed that while authorizing documents — e.g., notification of award, medical history sheets, and records essential for reference during the lifetime of a pensioner—should be retained, permanently paid, vouchers and other documents supporting payments should be preserved, for a period of at least two years. 10. The Minister of' Pensions feels that the course suggested will expedite and facilitate considerably the work incidental to these accounts, and at the same time avoid lengthy correspondence on matters which local audit and investigation would readily dispose of. 11. I shall accordingly be glad to learn whether your Ministers can see their way to arrange for the Auditor-General of New Zealand, to undertake the work proposed as from the Ist April, 1923. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 20. New Zealand, No 153. My Lord,— Downing Street, 19th July, 1923. With, reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the Imperial Bureau of Mycology, I have the honour to inform. Your Excellency that at a general meeting of the Managing Committee of the Bureau, held at the Colonial Office on the 30th May, it was unanimously resolved that an Imperial Mycological Conference should be held in conjunction with the British Empire Exhibition, and at approximately the same time as the Imperial Botanical Conference in July, 1924, and that

A.—2

16

the contributing Dominions and colonies should be invited to send representatives to this Conference. 2. Provisional arrangements have already been made whereby members of the Mycological Conference will be able to join in the discussions of the Botanical Conference, and it is considered that the holding of a Mycological Conference would be of the greatest value both to the Bureau itself and to oversea mycologists and agriculturists generally, who would thus have an opportunity of getting into closer touch with fellow-workers and of discussing at first hand the peculiar problems which confront them. It is also hoped to arrange for an exhibit of plant-diseases of the Empire at the British Empire Exhibition, and such an exhibit cannot but be of great value and interest to mycologists in all parts of the Empire. 3. I am convinced that the Bureau is already doing very valuable and important work, and that its assistance in the solution of mycological problems is widely recognized and appreciated. I am anxious that no opportunity for closer co-operation with Dominion and colonial workers should be lost, and I should be glad, therefore, if your Government could see its way to send a representative to the Imperial Mycological Conference to be held in July, 1924. 4. In order to admit of the necessary arrangements being made for the holding of the Conference I should be glad if you would reply to this despatch by telegraph. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 21. New Zealand, Dominions No. 268. • My Lord,— Downing Street, 20th July, 1923. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that it has been represented to me, in connection with the recent-appointment by the Minister of Health of a departmental Committee to inquire into the use of preservatives and colouring-matters in foods, that it would greatly assist the deliberations of the Committee if they could have before them copies of the statutes and regulations in force in the Dominions relating to the use of preservatives and artificial colouring-matters in food and drink, whether applying to articles of food prepared in the country or to articles imported. 2. I should accordingly be glad to be furnished, for the information of the Committee, with copies, in triplicate, of any laws and regulations in force in New Zealand, and also of any reports which have been published or any memoranda which have been issued on the subject, and of any further information which it may be considered would be of assistance to the Committee. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 177. My Lord, — Downing Street, Bth August, 1923. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, to be laid before your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a note from the United States Government, expressing their appreciation of the courtesies and hospitality extended to Captain E. T. Pollock, the Governor of American Samoa, and to the officers and men of the United States'ship " Ontario," on the occasion of a recent visit to New Zealand. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

A.—2

17

Enclosure. Sir,— Department of State, Washington, 7th July, 1923. I beg to inform you that I am in receipt of a communication from the Secretary of the Navy regarding the recent visit to New Zealand of Captain E. T. Pollock, United States Navy, Governor of American Samoa, and relating particularly to the courtesies extended to him and to the officers and the crew of the U.S.S. " Ontario " on the occasion of his visit, and requesting that the appreciation of the Navy Department be extended to the appropriate New Zealand authorities for the cordial reception accorded to Captain Pollock. I should appreciate it if you would hi) good enough to express to the New Zealand Government the deep appreciation of this Government for the courtesies and hospitality extended to Captain Pollock and to the officers and crew of the " Ontario," and to state that this Government is much gratified by this expression of friendly feeling on the part of the people of New Zealand for the United States. Accept, sir, the renewed assurance of my high consideration. Charles E. Hughes. Mr. Henry Getty Chilton, Charge d'Affairs ad interim of Great Britain.

No. 23. New Zealand, Dominions No. 331. My Lord, — Downing Street, 3rd September, 1923. With reference to Viscount Harcourt's despatch, No. 73, of the 18th February, .1915, and to my predecessor's despatch, Dominions No. 170, of the 30th May, 1922, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a revised Memorandum of Conditions relating to the employment of British soldiers under the Governments of the Dominions, colonies, protectorates, and mandated territories. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Memorandum of Conditions relating to the Employment of British Soldiers in Colonial Service. Applications will be considered by the Army Council for the loan of British soldiers serving on their Army engagement for employment under the Governments of the self-governing Dominions, colonies, protectorates, or mandated territories for a specified term on duties which are of a military nature or which will increase the soldier's military experience. Extensions of the period of employment may be sanctioned by the Army Council if the circumstances of the case render such, a course desirable, but it must be borne in mind that the longer the soldier is absent from the Army the less likely is the Army to reap the benefit of the experience gained by his colonial employment. 2. The principle on which the incidence of charges connected with the loan of soldiers to Colonial Governments is determined is that the borrowing Government shall bear the pay, &c, of the soldier, and discharge all liabilities arising out of his status as a soldier which, would under other circumstances be defrayable by the Army Council, during the period of the loan and pending the soldier's return to the Imperial establishment or his discharge. It is pointed out that for the present no charge is made to Colonial Governments in respect of the heavy expense of training the soldier lent and any successor whom it may be necessary to appoint to fill his place in the Army. 3. With the object of specifying the charges which usually fall on colonial funds the following rules have been prepared ; they do not, however, claim to be exhaustive, and it must be clearly understood that the responsibility of the Colonial Government which employs a soldier extends not only to the. liabilities specifically mentioned in this memorandum, but to all the other liabilities referred to above, whether such liabilities are imposed on the Army Council by laws or regulations which existed at the time when the period of the loan began or whether they are imposed by laws or regulations issued during the engagement. Liabilities arising from the Soldier's Military Status. 4. Soldiers who are lent during the period of their colour service for employment under the Governments of the self-governing Dominions, colonies, protectorates, or mandated territories are entitled to receive not less than their pay and allowances at Army rates throughout the period during which they are struck off regimental duty for the purpose of colonial employment, and to receive reasonable medical and dental treatment free, both during their resident service and while on leave.

3—A. 2.

A.—2,

18

Duration of Colonial Liability. The pay and allowances of such soldiers are chargeable to the funds of the borrowing Government from the date of embarkation to the date of disembarkation on return, both dates inclusive, and any period of furlough granted by the borrowing Government. In the case of a Colonial •Government borrowing a soldier who is at the time serving in the garrison of the colony, the liability commences on the day from which he is struck off regimental duty. If a soldier, on completion of his colonial employment, is posted by the military authorities for duty to the garrison of the colony, ■his pay and allowances will be borne by colonial funds to the day (inclusive) preceding that on which ilie assumed regimental duty. Courses of Instruction. 5. If a soldier is required, at the request of the borrowing Government, to undergo a course of instruction prior to colonial employment, the cost (including pay, &c.) will be recoverable from ■colonial funds. Liability in Cases of Invaliding. 6. Every soldier on return from colonial employment will be medically examined as to his fitness for military service. In the event of his being found medically unfit or of his being invalided from ■colonial employment his pay, &c, is chargeable to the borrowing Government until either he rejoins for duty or is discharged. The duration of this liability is limited to the following periods, viz. : — (a.) Employment with the West African Frontier Force. (i.) Soldiers invalided before completing a tour —Six months from the date of arrival in England, (ii.) Other cases—Six months from expiration of any ordinary colonial leave granted in respect of residential service. (b.) Colonial employment other than with the West African Frontier Force. (i.) Soldiers invalided before completing a tour of service—Eighteen months from date of leaving the colony, (ii.) Other cases—Eighteen months from expiration of any ordinary colonial leave granted in respect of residential service. Travelling-expenses. 7. The borrowing Government will boar all the regulated travelling-expenses, both by land and sea, of the soldier, and of his wife and family (if any),— (a.) From his military station on proceeding to take up the colonial employment; and (b.) From the colony to the military station which the Army authorities determine on his return from such employment. The cost to the Colonial Government under (6) shall, however, not exceed the regulated travellingexpenses from the colony to the United Kingdom. The liability of the borrowing Government, in the case of a soldier serving in the garrison of the colony at the time of the loan, will include all the regulated travelling-expenses, both by land and sea, incurred in replacing him in the garrison, should it be necessary specially to replace him, and also, subject to the above-mentioned limit, tho regulated travelling-expenses by land and sea incidental to his rejoining for regimental duty at such station as the Army authorities may direct on completion of colonial employment. In the case of a married soldier who proceeds abroad without his family the regulated travelling-expenses of the family from the soldier's military station to their place of residence and their regulated travelling-expenses to the soldier's new station in the United Kingdom on return are chargeable to the borrowing Government. Clothing-allowance. 8. In case of employment in tropical Africa a quarter's clothing and kit allowance, in addition to the cost of a free kit of necessaries, is payable by the borrowing Government on the soldier's return to the Imperial establishment for duty. Insurance. 9. The borrowing Government is responsible for continuing, in accordance with Army Orders and regulations on the subject, the soldier's insurance under the National Insurance Acts in force for the time being, during the inclusive period for which the soldier's pay is chargeable to that Government. This includes, inter alia, the payment, from the funds of the Government, of the full contribution (see Army Orders 325 of 1919 and 226 of 1920) and the administration of maternity benefit under the aforesaid Acts. Pension Contribution. 10. In the case of self-governing Dominions, and of colonies, protectorates, and mandated territories which are self-supporting, the loan of a British soldier is subject to the payment, in respect of the whole period during which his pay is chargeable to the funds of the borrowing Government, of a non-effective contribution at the under-mentioned yearly rates, equivalent to the colonial share of his future pension, viz. : — For a Warrant Officer, Class I, £70. For a soldier below the rank of Warrant Officer, Class I, who has re-engaged to complete twenty-one years' service, £36. For one who has not re-engaged, £24. For a short-service soldier who has not extended his engagement to complete twelve years' service with the colours, £12.

19

A.—2

Contribution is payable at tho rate of £70 a year in certain cases of non-commissioned officers who hold the local rank of Warrant Officer, Class I, while serving in colonial employment. As resident service in West Africa (including Nigeria) is counted double for Army pension, the pension contributions in respect of the periods actually served in that area will be at double the above rates. Medical and Dental Treatment. ]1. A soldier on leave in the United Kingdom requiring medical or dental, treatment or found to be medically unfit on return from colonial employment will be treated as far as possible in a military hospital or dental centre, or otherwise by Royal Army Medical Corps or Army Dental Corps officers, and for such treatment no charge will be made by the War Office against the Colonial Government. If, owing to special circumstances, such a soldier cannot bo so treated and is obliged to consult a civil medical or dental j>ractitioner, or go into a civil hospital, he will be dealt with by the Army authorities as if he had been taken ill when on Army furlough, and the medical or dental expenses necessarily incurred at the ordinary Army rates with the approval of the Army medical or dental authorities will be recoverable by the War Office from the borrowing Government. In the case of a soldier admitted to a military hospital for treatment a charge of 10s. a day will be made in respect of his maintenance. When the soldier is in receipt of full colonial pay, one half of the cost will be borne by the individual, the other half by the borrowing Government. When the soldier is in receipt of half rates of colonial pay, the whole of the cost of hospital maintenance will be borne by colonial funds. Reversion to Army after Leave. 12. In order to avoid the concurrent issue of pay from Army and colonial funds soldiers will not as a rule be restored to the Army until the expiration of their colonial leave. All possible steps will be taken to ensure that individuals are sent Home in sufficient time to allow of ieave being taken before the period of secondment expires. In the exceptional case of an individual being required to rejoin his Imperial unit before his colonial leave has expired, it shall be decided, on the merits of the case whether the individual shall be allowed to draw any colonial gratuity to which he may be entitled in lieu of leave despite his having been taken on pay from Army funds. Premature Termination of Employment. 13. The premature termination of a soldier's colonial employment, whether on account of misconduct or any other cause, does not relieve the borrowing Government of any of the liabilities referred to in this memorandum. July, 1923.

No. 24. New Zealand, Dominions No. 341. My Lord, — Downing Street, 10th September, 1923. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of the Southern Rhodesia (Annexation) Order in Council, 1923. A Proclamation has been issued by the High Commissioner for South Africa bringing this Order in Council into operation on the 12th September. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 30th Day of July, 1923. Present: The Kino's Most Excellent Majesty in Council. Whereas the territories in South Africa situate within the limits of the Southern Rhodesia Order in Council, 1898, and known as Southern Rhodesia are under the protection of His Majesty the King : And whereas British subjects have settled in large numbers in the said territories, and it is expedient, with a view to tho further development and more convenient administration of the said territories, that they should be annexed to and should henceforth form part of His Majesty's dominions : Now, therefore, His Majesty is pleased, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, as follows : — 1. This Order may be cited as tho Southern Rhodesia (Annexation) Order in Council, 1923. 2. Until further provision shall be made in respect thereof, the limits of this Order are the parts of South Africa bounded by the Portuguese Possessions, by the Union of South Africa to a point opposite the mouth of the River Shashi, by the River Shashi to its junction with the Tati and Ramaquaban Rivers, thence by the Ramaquaban River to its source, thence by the watershed of the Rivers Shashi

4—A. 2.

A.—2

20

and Ramaquaban until such watershed strikes the Hunters' Road (called the Pandanatenka Road), thence by that road to the River Zambesi, and by that river to the Portuguese boundary. The said limits include an area of ten-miles radius round Fort Tuli, but exclude tho area of the district known as the Tati district as defined by the Charter of the 29th day of October, 1889, incorporating the British South Africa Company. 3. From, and after the coming into operation of this Order the said territories shall be annexed to and form part of His Majesty's dominions, and shall be known as the Colony of Southern Rhodesia, hereinafter called the colony. 4. Nothing in this Order shall affect the validity of any Order in Council affecting the said territories, or of any Ordinance, Proclamation, or regulations passed or issued under any such Order, or of any act or thing done under any such Order, Ordinance, Proclamation, or regulations, save in so far as any provision of any such Order, Ordinance, Proclamation, or regulations may be repugnant to the provisions of any Act of Parliament which may, by reason of the annexation hereby declared, become extended to the colony or to any Order or regulation made under the authority of any such Act or having in the colony the force and effect of any such Act. 5. This Order shall be published forthwith in the Official Gazette of Southern Rhodesia, and shall commence and come into operation on a day to be fixed by the High Commissioner by Proclamation in the said Gazette ; and the High Commissioner shall give directions for the further publication of this Order at such places and in such manner, and for such time or times, as he thinks proper for giving publicity thereto within the colony. 6. His Majesty may from time to time revoke, alter, add to, or amend this Order. And the Most Noble the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, is to give the necessary directions herein accordingly. M. P. A. Hankey.

No. 25. New Zealand, No. 212. My Lord, — Downing Street, 29th September, 1923. I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the consideration of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a despatch from His Majesty's representatives at Panama regarding the provision of inscribed tombstones over the graves of three Australian and New Zealand soldiers buried at the United States military cemetery at Corozal. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosures. G.H. 1774/23. Memorandum. Wellington, 12th November, 1923. If desired, I will communicate through the usual diplomatic channels an expression of the Government's thanks for the very kindly action of the United States authorities in authorizing the erection of the two headstones over the graves of New Zealand soldiers buried at Corozal. You will no doubt cause the next-of-kin to be informed of what is being done. Jellicoe, Governor-General. The Hon. Sir Francis Bell, G.C.M.G., K.C., Acting for the Prime Minister. No. 59. (K. 13516/13516/232.) My Lord, — Panama, 29th August, 1923. I have the honour to transmit herewith an extract from the Panama Star and Herald of the 19th August, reporting the action taken by the Service Committee of American Legion No. 1 (the post of that organization on the Isthmus of Panama) in causing to be provided with tombstones bearing suitable inscriptions the graves of three Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died of wounds on the Isthmus of Panama on their homeward journey, and are buried at the United States military cemetery at Corozal. The names of the deceased are— Charles Dall, private, 10th Regiment, Australian Imperial Forces, who died on the 4th September, 1917. Charles T. W. McKinley, of Dunedin, New Zealand (name of unit not given), who died on the 22nd April, 1918. T. Renfrew, No. 253/111, Auckland Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who died on the 26th March, 1919. A record of the death of Charles T. W. McKinley is contained in an extract from the Panama Star and Herald of the 23rd April, 1918, enclosed in Sir Claude Mallet's despatch, No. 32, of the 7th May, 1918.

21

A.—2

It will be noted that the headstones are being provided free of charge in the circumstances by the United States military authorities. I venture to request that the facts reported be brought to the notice of the Dominion Governments concerned, in order that the relatives of the deceased may be informed. I also venture to suggest that suitable messages of thanks may be conveyed to the American Legion and the United States military authorities for their action. I may say that I have already spoken to Mr. Drake, the official of the American Legion in charge of the arrangements, and expressed to him my appreciation of what has been done. I have told him that the matter would be reported, to His Majesty's Government. I have, &c, Constantine Graham. Enclosure No. 1 in Mr. C. Graham's despatch, No. 59, of the 29th August, 1923. Extract from the Panama Star and Herald of the 19th August, 1923. Graves of Anzacs who died here to have United States Markers. Headstones similar to those recently installed to mark graves of United States Service men buried at Corozal will show where men from Antipodes rest. The graves of the three Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died on the isthmus as the result of wounds received while fighting for the cause of the Allies during the World. War are not to be forgotten. Headstones, with suitable inscriptions, will be placed on their graves as soon as they are received from the United States. The headstones will be similar to those recently installed to mark the graves of the American soldiers, sailors, and marines buried on the isthmus. This action is the result of recent correspondence between T. M. Drake, of the Service Committee of American Legion No. 1, and the Army officials on the isthmus and in Washington and with the Governor of the Canal. Buried in Post Cemetery. The Quartermaster-General of the Army has advised that the headstones can be provided, free of cost, if the soldiers are buried in a post cemetery. Since the cemetery at Corozal, where the three men are buried, is considered a post cemetery, the headstones will doubtless be furnished and forwarded to the isthmus within a short time. After their arrival they will be placed on the three graves by the American Legion with appropriate ceremonies. The three soldiers for whom the headstones will be provided are Charles Dall, a private in the loth Regiment, Australian Imperial Forces, who died on the 4th September, 1917 ; Charles T. W. McKinley, of Dunedin, New Zealand, who died 22nd April, 1918;. and T. Renfrew, No. 253/111, of the Auckland Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who died 26th March, 1919. All three of these men were dangerously wounded while in action, and were being returned to their native land on the British hospital ships that passed through the Canal. They were, however, unable to survive the journey and died on the isthmus. It seems fitting, therefore, that they should receive this recognition of their supreme sacrifice in the cause of humanity. The Most Honourable the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, K.G., P.C., &c.

No. 26. New Zealand, Dominions No. 385. My Lord, — Downing Street, 13th October, 1923. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 368, of the 26th September, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, copies of a parliamentary paper Cmd. 1960 (Treaty Series No. 20 of 1923), containing notes exchanged with the French Government on the 29th August, relative to the renewal for a period of five years of the arbitration agreement concluded between Great Britain and France on the 14th October 1903. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Renewal of the Existing Arbitration Agreement between Great Britain and France. [29th August, 1923.] No. 1. Mr. Phipps to M. Poincare. M. le President dv Conseil, — British Embassy, Paris, 29th August, 1923. By his note of the 6th June last His Excellency the Marquess of Crewe, His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador, informed Your Excellency that His Britannic Majesty's Government were

A.—2.

22

prepared to renew for a period of five years from the date of its expiration the arbitration agreement concluded between our Governments on the 14th October, 1903, and renewed on three occasions since that date. By your note of the 12th July Your Excellency was good enough to inform Lord Crewe that the French Government were, on their part, equally prepared to accept the renewal of this agreement on the conditions indicated by His Majesty's Government. Should Your Excellency agree, it will be understood that the present note and Your Excellency's reply will serve to place on record the understanding arrived at between our two Governments. I have, &c, Eric Phipi>s. No. 2. M. Poincare to Mr. Phipps. M. le Ministre, — Ministere dcs Affaires etrangeres. Paris, le 29 Aout, 1923. J'ai l'honneur de vous accuser reception dc votre note en date d'aujourd'hui, par laquellc vous avez bien voulu me faire connaitre que le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste Britannique etait dispose a renouveler pour une periodc de cinq annees, a partir de la date de son expiration, la Convention d'Arbitrage conclue cntre nos Gouvernements le 14 Octobre, 1903, etant entendu que le Gouvernement de la Republique Francaise fut cgalement pret a consentir a un tel renouvellement. J'ai l'honneur d'aocepter de la part dv Gouvernement de la Republique, la proposition que ladite Convention d'Arbitrage soit encore renouvelee pour une periode de cinq annees a partir dv 14 Octobre prochain. L'echange dcs notes actuelles entre l'Ambassade d'Angloterre et le Ministere dcs Affaires etrangeres servira a constater I'entente intervenue entre nos deux Gouvornements a cc sujet. Veuillez, &c., R. Poincare. [Translation. | M. le Ministre, — Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Paris, 29th August, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of to-day, in which you have been so good as to inform me that His Britannic Majesty's Government wore prepared to renew, for a period of five years from the date of its expiration, tho arbitration agreement concluded between our Governments on the 14th October, 1903, it being understood that the French Government were equally ready to consent to such a renewal. I have the honour to accept, on behalf of the French Government, the proposal that the aforesaid arbitration agreement be again renewed for a period of five years from the '14th October next. The exchange of the present notes between the British Embassy and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will serve to place on record the understanding arrived at between our two Governments to this effect. Accept, &c, R. Poincare.

—— -^———— No. 27. New Zealand, No. 218. My Lord, — Downing Street, 16th October, 1923. With reference to the late Viscount Harcourt's despatch, No. 494, of the 10th November, 1914, and to Mr. Walter (now Lord) Long's despatch, Dominions No. 737, of the 24th December, 1918, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries has observed that serious difficulties have recently arisen in the administration of the Importation of Dogs Orders owing to the fact that certificates which have been given by officers on vessels for the purpose of obtaining concessions in respect of the landing of imported dogs from vessels free from quarantine have been found by experience to have been given without due regard to accuracy or to the serious results which might conceivably follow through an abuse of the concession. 2. In view of the very serious restrictions which were necessitated by, and the grave inconveniences which followed from, the introduction of rabies into this country in 1918, the Minister is anxious to safeguard the country from the risk of the reintroduction of this disease by every possible means. He felt it necessary, therefore, that when the abuses referred to were brought to light the whole question of the concessions hitherto granted under the Order should be reviewed, and as a result he has reluctantly decided that all concessions whatever shall be withdrawn in future. By virtue of this decision, therefore, the Minister will no longer be able to accord exceptional treatment in respect of dogs imported from Australia or New Zealand, and he wishes to express his regret that circumstances shou'd have arisen

23

A..—2

which in his opinion necessitated the withdrawal of the concessions referred to in Lord Harcourt's despatch under reference. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 28. New Zealand, No. 220. My Lord, — Downing Street, 18th October, 1923. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 207, of the 10th August, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copy of a despatch to His Majesty's representative at Washington, forwarding copies of the resolutions passed by the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives respectively, recording their sorrow at the death of President Harding, and tendering their sympathy to the people of the United States and to Mrs. Harding and the relatives of the late President. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. • • Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. No. 1059. (T. 10422/8386/345.) Sir,— Foreign Office, S.W. 1, 6th October, 1923. I transmit to you herewith copies of resolutions passed by the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives of the Dominion of New Zealand, recording their sorrow at the death of President Harding, and tendering their sympathy to the people of the United States and tho relatives of the late President. 2. I shall be glad if you will communicate these resolutions to the United States Government in conformity with a request which has been received from the Governor-General of the Dominion. A telegram of condolence from the latter on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand was sent direct to His Majesty's Embassy on the 3rd August last. I have, &c. (For the Secretary of State), Hubert Montgomery. H. G. Chilton, Esq., C.M.G., &c.

No. 29. New Zealand, Dominions No. 405. My Lord, — Downing Street, 7th November, 1923. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 346, of the 15th September, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of the regulations approved by Mr. Speaker with regard to the new Dominions Gallery in the House of Commons. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Ist November, .1923. The following regulations have been approved by Mr. Speaker in respect of the Ministers' Gallery and Dominions' Gallery, which galleries are newly created as the result of the recommendations of the Select Committee on " House of Commons (Gallery Accommodation)." (See Report, 24th July, 1923.) (1.) The Ministers' Gallery. This will consist of five seats immediately behind the Ambassadors' Gallery, and will be reserved for Ministers of foreign countries up to 4 o'clock (12 noon on Fridays), after which hour the seats, if

A.—2

24

unoccupied, will revert to the Special Gallery : Provided that, so far as possible with regard to the number of seats available, foreign Ministers will be permitted to reserve a seat up to a later hour by notice given to the Serjeant-at-Arms at the Admission Order Office before the hour at which the House meets that day. (2.) The Dominions' Gallery. The six seats in the front row will be reserved for High Commissioners up to 4 o'clock (12 noon on Fridays), with the privilege of reserving the right to a seat at a later hour by giving notice of their intention to the Serjeant-at-Arms at the Admission Order Office before the meeting of the House that day. After 4 o'clock, failing such notice, these seats will be available for members of Dominion Parliaments on presentation of their Empire Parliamentary Association cards previously obtained from the Serjeant-at-Arms through the Secretary of that association. ■ (Mr. Speaker reserves to himself the right of admitting to these seats other distinguished visitors from the Dominions or elsewhere in the event of few or no members of Dominion Parliaments being in London at the time.) The five seats in the back row of the Dominions' Gallery will be reserved for members of Dominion Parliaments up to 4 o'clock. (12 noon on Fridays), or at a later hour by notice to tho Serjeant-at-Arms as provided above. After 4 o'clock, and failing such notice, these seats will become part of the Special Gallery. [n the report of the Select Committee above referred to the following paragraph appears : — " Your Committee desire to express the hope that in the event of the High Commissioners not desiring to occupy the seats provided for their use on any particular day they will have the courtesy to make the information as to their intention availablo for the Serjeant-at-Arms so that the fullest use may be made of the limited space available for distribution among members of Dominion Parliaments." The conditions as to the admission to the Ambassadors' Gallery (five seats) remain as heretofore. The Distinguished Strangers' Gallery (seven seats) remains, as at present, under the control of Mr. Speaker. Colin Keppel, Admiral, Serjeant-at-Arms.

» No. 30. New Zealand, No. 236. My Lord, — Downing Street, 19th November, 1923. With reference to my despatch, No. 220, of the 18th October, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, to be laid before your Ministers, the accompanying copy of an acknowledgment from the Government of the United States of the messages of sympathy from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives of the Dominion of New Zealand on the death of President Harding. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Sir, — Department of State, Washington, D.C., 30th October, 1923. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 908, of the 24th October, 1923, transmitting, under instructions from your Government and at the request of His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, copies of resolutions passed by the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives of the Dominion of New Zealand regarding their sorrow at the death of President Harding, and tendering their sympathy to the people of the United States and the relatives of the late President. These resolutions of sympathy have been received with high appreciation by the Government of the United States, and I shall be thankful if you will be so good as to make this appreciation known, through the appropriate channels, to the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives of the Dominion of New Zealand. I am sending copies of the resolutions to Mrs. Harding, who, I doubt not, will be equally appreciative of the friendly sympathy of these legislative bodies. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration. For the Secretary of State, J. Butler Wright. Mr. Henry Getty Chilton, Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Great Britain.

A.—2

25

No. 31. New Zealand, Dominions No. 430. My Lord, — Downing Street, 20th November, 1923. With reference to paragraph 3 of Viscount Milner's despatch, No. 141, of the 27th\Tuly, 1920, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Managing Committee of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology have had under consideration the date for the Second Imperial Entomological Conference, and that they have recommended that the Conference should be held in London in the early part of June, 1925, as originally contemplated when Lord Milner's despatch was written. 2. I have agreed that the next Conference should be held at the time suggested. In the absence of any unforeseen circumstances which may necessitate alteration the Conference will open on the 4th June, and it may be assumed that it will last for about ten days or a fortnight. 3. The value of a meeting of this nature was fully established in June, 1920, when the first Entomological Conference was held. I feel sure that if it can be arranged your Government will be glad to send a representative to the Conference. 4. The agenda will be settled later, but, apart from entomological questions of economic importance in relation to men, animals, and plants, the opportunity will be taken for the Director (Dr. G. A. K. Marshall, C.M.G., F.R.S.) to make a full statement on the work of the Bureau, and the financing of the Bureau will also be considered. 5. I shall be glad if you will inform me whether your Government will be represented at the Conference, and, if so, who will probably be deputed for the purpose. 6. I may add that the Director of the Bureau will be grateful for any suggestions as to subjects which it may be desired to place on the agenda. It would be convenient if these could be sent direct to him at the Bureau, the Head Office of which is at the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London S.W. 7. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. , Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.O, &c.

No. 32. New Zealand, Dominions No. 434. My Lord, — Downing Street, 21st November, 1923. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 81, of the 10th March, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, copies of Treaty Series Paper No. 22 of 1923 (Cmd. 1978), containing notes exchanged on the 14th August, 1923, further renewing the Anglo-Italian arbitration agreement of the Ist February, 1904. I have, &c, DEVONSHIRE. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. Notes exchanged further renewing the Anglo-Italian Arbitration Agreement oe Ist February, 1904. London, 14th August, 1923. No. 1. The Italian Ambassador to the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston. Signor Marchese, — Londra, il 14 Agosto, 1923. L'Ambasciata Britannica a Roma ha proposto al Regio Governo la rinnovazione, per un altro quinquennio, della Convenzione di Arbitrato stipulata frail Governo Britannico ed il. Governo Italiano il primo Febbraio, 1904, c successivamente rinnovata meroe scambio di note fra quosta Regia Ambasciata ed il Scgretario di Stato per gli Affari Esteri Britannico.

A.—2

26

A talc riguardo ho l'onore d'informare vostra Eccellenza che il Governo del Re c anche esso disposto a rinnovare per cinque anni, dalla data della sua scadenza, la Convenzione di Arbitrate surricordata, mediante la stessa procedura seguita pel passato, c cioe uno scambio di note fra me c vostra Eccellenza. Qualora questo modo di procedere sia accetto a vostra Eccellenza, restera inteso che la presente nota c la risposta che ella vorra dare serviranno a constatare l'intesa intervenuta al riguardo fra i nostri due Governi. Gradisca, &c, TORRETTA. [ Translation.] My Lord,— London, 14th August, 1923. The British Embassy at Rome have proposed to the Italian Government the renewal, for another period of five years, of the Arbitration Convention concluded between the British and Italian Governments on the Ist February, 1904, and successively renewed by exchange of notes between this Embassy and the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. In this connection I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the Italian Government also are ready to renew for five years from the date of expiry the above-mentioned Arbitration Convention by means of the same procedure formerly followed — i.e., an exchange of notes between Your Lordship and myself. In the event of this mode of procedure being agreeable to Your Lordship, it will be understood that this note and your reply will serve to record the agreement arrived at in this matter between our two Governments. I have, &c, TORRETTA. No. 2. The Marquess Curzon of Kedleston to the Italian Ambassador. Your Excellency,—■ Foreign Office, 14th August, 1923. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this day's date informing me that the Italian Government are prepared to renew, for a further period of five years from the Ist February, 1924, the arbitration agreement concluded between the United Kingdom and Italy on the Ist February, 1904, and successively renewed by exchange of notes between His Majesty's Government and the Italian Ambassador at this capital. 2. I have the honour, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, to accept this proposal, and the present exchange of notes between Your Excellency and myself is accordingly regarded by them as placing upon record the understanding arrived at between our respective Governments in the matter. I have, &c, Curzon or Kedleston.

Approximate Coat of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (475 copies), £22 10s,

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 924.

Price !)d.]