3

A.—2

No. 4. New Zealand, Dominions No. 483. My Lord, — Downing Street, 3rd December, 1921. With reference to my predecessor's despatch, No. 328, of the 30th April, 1919, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the identity registration system, under which seamen have been provided with, certificates, which have been used, among other purposes, for production to foreign authorities who require seamen to possess evidence of identity and nationality at ports abroad, has been terminated. 2. This system was provided under Regulation 39 F.P. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and when that regulation was withdrawn some months ago the authority for the continuation of the system ceased. In view, however, of the requirements of certain foreign Governments as to the possession by seamen of documents of identity and nationality, and for other reasons, the issue of identity certificates was continued ; but, as no sanction for the issue of these certificates now remains, and in view of the necessity for public economy, it has been decided to cease the issue of such certificates. 3. It is proposed that seamen already in possession of identity certificates shall retain them for production when required — e.g., to foreign authorities who require seamen to possess evidence of identity and nationality. Now that the issue of such certificates has been discontinued, seamen on first voyages and those who do not possess identity certificates may have to obtain passports if they wish to go ashore in foreign countries where such documents are required. The Board of Trade are obtaining information on this point. 4. 1 should be glad to learn whether the production of documents of nationality and identity is required before seamen are permitted to land in New Zealand, and, if so, whether the authorities would be prepared to accept as evidence a seaman's discharge-book (a) with, or (b) without, a photograph inserted, in lieu of a passport or identity certificate. I have, &c, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL. Governor-General His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount .Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M.,' G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 249. My Lord, Downing Street, 6th December, 1921. I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Secretary of State for Home Affairs is anxious to obtain information on the subject of the official censorship of cinematograph-films, which is understood to be in operation in New Zealand. 2. He would accordingly be glad if your Ministers could arrange for him to be furnished with reports giving as much information as possible on the nature of the censorship, the methods which have been adopted, and the results obtained. I have, &c, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL. Governor-General His Lxcellency the Right Hon. Viscount Jellicoe, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.V.0., &c.

No. 6. New Zealand, No. 253. My Lord. Downing Street, 16th December, 1921. With reference to Your Excellency's despatch, No. 204, of the 20th December, 1920, regarding the proposed establishment of a system of accounting in connection with the parcel-post service between New Zealand and the United States, I have the honour to request you to inform your Ministers that it has not yet been found possible to reach agreement in respect of a similar arrangement between the United States and this country.