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part of the work, Lord Stanley will bo prepared ti recommend the plan to the Australian Governments, but without the concession of exclusive privileges or the expectation of assistance from Imperial Funds, neither of which objects, it is to be observed, are asked for in the proposal in the shape in which it is at present submitted. I am, &c, (Signed) H. Merivale. Sir G. Clerk, K.C.B.

SIR GEORGE CLERK TO MR. MERIVALE. India Board, 24th May, 1858. Sir,— The Commissioners for the affairs of India have communicated with the Court of Directors of the East India Company, on the subject of your Lettet- of the Bth ultimo, recommending by order of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to the consideration of this Board, a plan proposed by Mr. Lionel Gisborne for a Telegraphic Line to Australia, one portion of the plan being that the Government of India shall, at their own cost, carry the Line from the Continent of India to Singapore ; and I am instructed to transmit to you, for the information of Lord Stanley, a copy of a Letter dated the 18tli instant, which the Board have received from the India House, and a copy of a Despatch on the subject, which will be sent to the Governor General of India in Council by the Mail of the 25th. I am, &c, (Signed) George Clerk. Herman Merivale, Esq, &c, &c, &c.

(E.iclosure.)

MR. DICKINSON TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INDIAN BOARD. East India House, 18th May, 1858. Sir,— 1. The Court of Directors of the East India Company, have had under consideration Sir George Clerk's Letter, of the 13th ultimo, with its enclosed Letter from the Colonial Office, and its accompaniment, regarding a scheme proposed by Mr. Lionel Gisborne for effecting Telegraphic Communication by way ot India with Australia, one of the proposals connected with the project being that the Indian Government should give an assurance that they will execute a Telegraph Line between their possessions on the Continent of India and Singapore. 2. In considering this important proposition, the Court have with the Board, assumed that the main object of the undertaking is to connect Australia with England by means of the Telegraph. The first obvious step towards tho attainment of that object is the completion of Telegraphic Communication between this Country and India, and it appears to the Court that it would be premature to adopt measures in regard to a Lino beyond India, while the question as to the manner in which the European Line of Telegraph is to be extended to India, is still undecided. 3. Having made these preliminary observations, the Court desire me to state that it would afford them much pleasure to promote the project now brought to their notice, in such a manner as should be consistent with the interests of India. The Court would observe, however, that the section which it is proposed shouldbe executed by the Government of India, would be an extensive and difficult undertaking, and they are unable to pass a judgment upon its feasibility or cost, without a previous survey of the Coast, and without a report by the Local Authorities upon the question. They accordingly propose at once to invite the consideration of the Government of India to the subject. I have, &c, (_ Signed) J. D. Dickinson. The Secretary of the India Board.

(Encloeure.)

COPY OF A DESPATCH FROM THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY TO THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF INDIA IN COUNCIL. . May, 1858. 1. We forward in the Packet, copy of a Letter, and of its enclosures, which has been received from the Board of Commissioners for the affairs of India, and of our reply thereto, regarding a scheme proposed by Mr. Lionel Gisborne for effecting Telegraphic Communication, by way of India with Australia.

Enclosure.)