F.—6

32

PANAMA CANAL KOUTE.

No. 97. [News extract, 15th August, WlJ^i] The Panama Canal has been informally opened. The United States War Department's ship " Aneon " made a trip through the canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific, taking eleven hours for the passage. M. Goethals, the builder of the canal, stood on the bridge as the vessel left, and President Porras, of Panama, was beside him. Vessels drawing 30 ft. or less may now pass through the canal. [P. & T. 36/6.]

No. 98. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Department of Internal Affairs, (Memorandum.) Wellington, 16th November, 1914. I enclose herewith, for your information, copy of note which has been received by His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies from the United States Ambassador, London, on the subject of the date of opening of the Panama Canal. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. J. Hislop, Under-Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 98. The United States Ambassador, London, to the Right Hon. the Secretary op State for Foreign Affairs, London. Sir, — United States Embassy, London, 18th August, 1914. Under instructions from my Government, dated the 31st July last, I have the honour to acquaint you that the Panama Canal was to be opened for commerce on the 15th instant to vessels not drawing more than 30 ft. of water, and that an appropriate announcement will be rj* made when a depth of water greater than 30 ft. shall have been secured in the canal. 1 am to add that the official opening of the canal, as heretofore announced, will take place in the month of March, 1915. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Edward Grey. Walter Hines Pace.

No. 99. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. (Telegram.) 27th February, 1915. Are arrangements possible announcing here passage New-Zealand-bound vessels Panama?

No. 100. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ist March, 1915. Have arranged with the agents, Grace Company, Panama. They will commence beginning of next month.

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