Granville to Charles R. Lowell, August 3, 1880

Earl Granville to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: My predecessor referred to the late secretary of state for India in council, Mr. Hoppin’s letter of the 23d of December last, together with its inclosure, relative to the conveyance to India of government stores in foreign vessels, and I have the honor to acquaint you that a communication has been received in reply, stating the circumstances set forth in Mr. Hoppin’s letter above referred to, have been very carefully considered by the present secretary of state for India in council, but that, having regard to the difficulties which might arise through the employment of foreign vessels, it is not deemed expedient to alter the present practice of chartering or employing for the conveyance of stores to India, vessels only that sail under the British flag, which it has been ascertained is in accordance with that pursued by the lords commissioners of the admiralty and by the colonial governments.

It is added that the engagement of the Manilla, to which reference is made by Mr. Hoppin, was quite exceptional, and was entered into to meet a pressing difficulty in obtaining sufficient tonnage, a circumstance which is not likely to recur.

I have, &c.,