| Description | Notes at top that this copy was sent to [William Bate] Hardy [Secretary of the Royal Society] on 7 October.
Explains that the Reverend John Roscoe, under the auspices of the Royal Society, is at present conducting independent investigations among the native tribes in Central Africa, particularly Uganda. Notes that his work was brought to the Colonial Office's attention before Roscoe started, and that the work is scientific. Notes that since the work may contribute to the good government and economic development of the territories under British rule, Lord Milner had consented to grant Roscoe every facility for travel by giving him free passes for travel on the railways and steamers, and allowing his goods to pass through customs free of duty.
Regrets to learn from Roscoe that when he arrived in Mombasa, no letter of Milner's intentions had reached the Governor of British East Africa. Consequently no facilities were granted to Roscoe, and he expects to meet with the same difficulties in Uganda. Notes that the failure to notify the Governors is 'doubtless due to the oversight or mistake of a subordinate', respectfully requests that Milner instructs the Governors to carry out his instructions and allow Roscoe to use transport free of charge, and to give him every facility for his research. |