A.—2

3. I shall be glad, therefore, to learn whether local creditors in New Zealand are accorded any preference over creditors in any other part of the Empire in (a) bankruptcy proceedings and (b) in the liquidation of a company. I have, &c., L. S. AMER Y Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.Y.0., &c.

No. 32. New Zealand, Dominions No. 313. Sir,— Downing Street, 7th July, 1926. With reference to my despatch, Dominions No. 265, of the 17th June, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copies of a parliamentary question and answer regarding the proposed College of Imperial Defence. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., &c.

Enclosure. (Official Report, 29th June, 1926.) College of Imperial Defence. —Statement by Prime Minister. 34. Lieut.-Colonel Windsor-Clive asked the Prime Minister, Whether he is in a position to give any information with regard to the proposed College of Imperial Defence ? The Prime Minister (Mr. Baldwin) : I am able to give the following general and preliminary information in regard to the Imperial Defence College : The function of the College will be the training of a body of officers and civilian officials in the broadest aspects of Imperial strategy. The instructional staff will be drawn from the three fighting services, and the commandant will be nominated in turn by each service. The size of the College is being computed on the basis of thirty graduates per course, which includes vacancies held at the disposal of the Governments of the Dominions and India, should they wish to avail themselves of its facilities. Arrangements are being made for the co-operation of the Civil Service in the work of the College. It is intended that the College shall begin in a small way, and gradually develop to its full sphere of usefulness in the light of experience gained in its working. Mr. B. Peto : Can the Prime Minister say where this College will be situated, and in what building ? The Prime Minister : I think it will be in London. As the scheme is only being developed now, I suggest that further questions be put in the course of discussion of the Appropriation Bill. Mr. H. Williams : Has any estimate been made of the cost per graduate per annum ? The Prime Minister : The cost is very trifling and will not need any further estimate. , That is a subject which could be raised in later discussion.

No. 33. New Zealand, No. 156. Sib,- Downing Street, 12th July, 1926. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the Deputy GovernorGeneral's despatch, No. 76, of the 29th April, regarding the custody of the Austrian consular archives in New Zealand, and to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the Austrian Minister has been informed of the New Zealand Government's offer, and has asked that an expression of the thanks of the Austrian Government may be conveyed to your Government for the courtesy they have shown in this matter. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., &c.

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