§ MR. OTWAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, having regard to the interest and importance of early and reliable intelligence from South Africa, Her Majesty's Government see any objection to following the course by which a portion of the Press obtain priority of intelligence; and, whether they will instruct Consular Officers or detach gentlemen from the Colonial Office to St. Vincent and Madeira, for the transmission of telegraphic information from South Africa?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe Government have already priority for official despatches, and they have no reason to complain of any undue delay in their transmission. I do not think it advisable to instruct Consular officers or to detach gentlemen from the Colonial Office to St. Vincent and Madeira, for the transmission of telegraphic information from South Africa of an unofficial nature which might possibly not be accurate.
§ MR. OTWAYHave the Consular Agents at St. Vincent and Maderia any cypher by which they can insure secrecy of their messages?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI do not know. It is not in my Department.