With reference to your letter[s] of 
February 16 and 
March 3, I am
               directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to
               transmit to you, to be laid before 
Earl Granville, a copy of a
               note from the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs to Her
               Majesty's Minister at Madrid, stating that orders have been
               given to the Governors of Spanish Colonies to admit vessels of
               
British Columbia, Western Australia and the Straits Settlements
               to the advantage, secured by the Spanish decree of 
June 4 1868,
               in respect of Port and Navigation dues.