A.—l.

subsequent despatch No. 31, of the 19th of the same month. I have to inform you that the Act will be left in operation. I have, &c, KNUTSEORD. Governor Sir W. F. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

PACIFIC ISLANDS AND NEW GUINEA. Convention, New Hebrides. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 9th February, 1888. With reference to previous correspondence respecting the convention signed at Paris on the 16th November last between the Governments of Great Britain and France relating to the New Hebrides, I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Government, copies of a declaration, with annex, agreed tipon by those Governments, pursuant to Art. 111. of the convention, respecting the Joint Naval Commission which was signed at Paris on the 26th ultimo. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has requested the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to issue the necessary instructions in connection with this Commission to the A dmiral-in-Chief on the Australian Station. I have, &c, 11. T. HOLLAND. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. [For enclosure see A.-4, 1888, No. 12.]

Evacuation of Neio Hebrides by the French. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 4th May, 1.888. With reference to my circular despatch of the 31st March, I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a letter from the Eoreign Office, with its enclosure, containing the official announcement of the evacuation of the Erench military posts in the New Hebrides. I have, &c, KNUTSEORD. Governor Sir W. E. D. Jervois, G.C.M.G., C.8., &c.

KNUTSFOED.

Enclosure. Sir— Foreign Office, 23rd April, 1888. I am directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to transmit herewith, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a note from the French charge d'affaires in this country reporting the evacuation of the New Hebrides by the French troops. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. P. W. Cuerie.

Sub-Enclosure. M. le Marquis,— Ambassade de France, Londres, 19 Avril, 1888. Conformement aux tormos de la convention du 16 Novembro, 1887, relative aux NouvcllesHcbrides et aux iles sous le vent de Tahiti, le premier de ces archipels a ete evaeue par les troupes francaises. J'ai l'honneur de faire connaitre a V.S. que cetto operation a ete effectuee le 15 du mois dernier. Veuillez agreer, &c, M. le M. de Salisbury, &c. Jusserand.

Liberated French Convicts. Circular Despatch from the Secretary of State. Received 25th April, ISBB. (Circular.) Sir, — Downing Street, 14th February, 1888. I have the honour to transmit to you, for communication to your Government, a copy of a despatch received at the Eoreign Office from the Earl of Lytton, with a decree of the President of the French Republic regulating the means to be

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