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expiration of one year from the day on which either of the high contracting parties shall have denounced it; but if, when the date fixed for its expiration arrives, either ally is actually engaged in war, the alliance shall, ipso facto, continue until peace is concluded. In faith whereof the undersigned, duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement, and have affixed thereto their seals. Done in duplicate, at London, the 30th January, 1902. Lansdownb, His Britannic Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Hayashi, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Court of St. James's.

No. 2. (No. 24.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 6th March, 1902. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, with reference to my telegram of the 22nd ultimo, the papers noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosures. Sib,— War Office, London, S.W., 27th February, 1902. In reference to your letter of the 13th instant, No. 5930, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to forward, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, a copy of War Office letter to the Agent-General for New South Wales on the subject of the contract for the supply of meat to the troops in South Africa. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. E. W. D. Ward.

Sib,— 26th February, 1902. With reference to my interview of the 14th instant with the Agents-General for New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, relative to the contract for the supply of meat to the troops in South Africa for the year commencing Ist April, 1902, I am directed by the Secretary of State for War to acquaint you : — (1.) That it has been arranged that reports shall be furnished monthly by the Inspectors of the cargoes of meat for the use of the troops, and that these reports shall cover not only quality but also the place of origin of the meat supplied. (2.) That copies of the contract with Messrs. Bergl and Co. are enclosed. (3.), (4.) That the mileage-rate for the carriage of meat in South Africa shall be stated when tenders are again invited, with a view to assisting tenderers in calculating the cost of distribution. (5.) That for future contracts the fullest time possible will be given to colonial firms to tender. (6.) That, under circumstances such as are at present existing, it is considered impracticable to provide separate contracts for the supply of live meat and dead meat. (7.) That, should the monthly reports show a divergence from the undertaking in respect of colonial meat, an opportunity shall be given to the Agents-General to report as to the actual position in regard thereto. I am, &c. The Agent-General for New South Wales, 9, Victoria Street, S.W.

No. 3. (No. 26.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 19th March, 1902. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the papers noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Date. Prom To Subject. !7th February, 1202 War Office... Colonial Office Contract for the supply of meat to the troops in South Africa.