A.— id.

No. 52. The Pbemieb, Victoria, to the Peemieb, New Zealand. Telegbam just received from Agent-General stating that it is officially announced by Germany that she has annexed north coast New Guinea and the other islands. Are you prepared to unite in joint protest to Her Majesty's Government against the recognition of Germany's claims, especially on New Guinea? Melbourne, 23rd December, 1884. James Sebvice.

No. 53. The Pbemieb, New Zealand, to the Pbemiee, Victoria. We doubt if expedient to protest against recognition of German annexation. One of two things must be the case —either England must have agreed to it, or, failing to take advantage of her own ample opportunity, cannot object to Germany's action. We have good grounds for expressing regret at the action or inaction of the English Government, either for entering into an agreement allowing German annexation, or for supinely leaving the field open to Germany after ample warning of what would happen. If it is deemed desirable to express regret we will join in the above sense. It ia open to the objection of seeming political action, but, on the other hand, it may save further probable foreign annexation. 24th December, 1884. Eobeet Stout.

No. 54. The Acting Colonial Secbetaey, New South Wales, to the Pbemiee, New Zealand. By to-day's post a copy of a minute approved by this Government, concerning the German annexation of a part of the Island of New Guinea, will be forwarded for your perusal and information as to the course which this colony will take in connection with the other Australian Colonies in this matter. Sydney, 29th December, 1884. William Bede Dalley.

No. 55. The Colonial Secbetaby, New South Wales, to the Pbemiee, New Zealand. Sib,— New South Wales, 29th December, 1884. Referring to my telegram of this day's date, I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of a minute approved by this Government concerning the German annexation of a part of the Island of New Guinea. I have, &c, Cbitchett Walkeb, Principal Under-Secretary. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, Wellington.

Enclosure. Minute Paper. Telegbam of the Pebmibb of Victoeia requesting the Government of this Colony to unite in protest to the Imperial Government against the German Occupation of a part of New Guinea. The Cabinet has had under its consideration the invitation addressed to the Colonial Secretary by the Premier of Victoria requesting the co-operation of this Government with those of the other Australasian Colonies in protesting against the German annexation of any portion of the Island of New Guinea, the intelligence of such action on the part of Germany having been telegraphed here a few days since. Owing to the fact that Mr. Service's telegram was received late on the evening of the last day before the Christmas holidays, since which day, without much personal inconvenience, no meeting of the Cabinet could be convened, it has been found impossible to consider this question at an earlier period. An answer to Mr. Service was despatched within a few moments of the receipt of his telegram in these words : " Shall have no objection to consider in Cabinet the form of your proposal; but would suggest to you the expediency of some slight delay, as we have reason to believe that steps may be shortly taken by the Imperial Government which will either render remonstrance on our part unnecessary, or, if we now make it, will occasion embarrassment without any advantage to the colonies. At all events, no inconvenience will result from a delay of a few days ; and as my colleagues will not in all probability be in town after to-night till Monday next, I should be unable to inform you of our determination at an earlier period.—William Bede Dalley." As the action of this Government in advising delay has been in some quarters misunderstood, it is deemed expedient to submit for the perusal of His Excellency, and, in order that the views of this Government may be clearly and fully communicated to Her Majesty's Imperial Government, to place upon record, the opinions of the Cabinet. For many years, as is well known to all who are familiar with the subject from a perusal of the official correspondence which has taken place, and the various State papers which have been published, the successive Governments of this colony

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