Hamilton to Rogers (Permanent Under-Secretary)

With reference to Mr Elliot's letter of 15th
inst, respecting the title of The Hudson's Bay Company to
certain tracts of land in Vancouver's Island, and British Columbia; I am directed by The Lords Commissioners of Her
Majesty's Treasury to request, that you will state to The
Duke of Newcastle, that, if the proposed Reference to The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council comprehends merely
the question of Title to the Lands in question, My Lords
are of opinion that They are not called upon to become Parties
to the Reference; but if any question relating to Compensation,
to be awarded to the Hudson's Bay Company, in respect of such
lands, is involved in the Reference; then, before My Lords can
give Their consent to the proposed proceeding, They request
to be furnished with the precise claim of The Company, and the
actual reply, which The Secretary of State has directed to be
made to it, as well as the grounds, on which it is proposed to
oppose the claims of the Company before The Privy Council.