MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, on 3rd January, 1900, he telegraphed to the Governor of Natal as to the "Bundesrath," detained on suspicion of carrying contraband of war, then presumably in custody of the Prize Court, that the capturing officer of Her Majesty's ship "Magicienne" should apply to the court to release at once the mails on board the captured ship; was this instruction to the naval officer in question sent at the request and with the concurrence of the Admiralty; and if not, by virtue of what authority was it sent.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I telegraphed to the Governor of Natal on January 3rd, in the sense mentioned by my hon. friend, and an application having accordingly been made to the court, the mails were released. The telegraphic instruction was sent with the concurrence of the First Lord of the Admiralty.