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BRITISH ADMINISTRATION - GERMAN NEW GUINEA:
Government House,
Rabaul,
New Britain,
9th October 1914
The Right Honorable,
Sir George Reid, P.C., K.C.M.G.,
High Commissioner for
The Commonwealth of Australia,
London:
Sir;
As Officer Commanding the Australian Naval and Military Expedition which seized and occupied on 12th Septr. the German Possessions in the Pacific, officially known as German New Guinea, and as Administrator of such Possessions during the Military Occupation, I do myself the honor of forwarding herewith a set of Postage Stamps formerly in use here under the German Regime, and beg to request, in view of the keen interest which His Majesty The King is known to envince in philately, that you will kindly arrange to have the same submitted for acceptance by His Majesty with my humble and respectful salutations.
Apparently the larger proportion of the stock of Stamps was destroyed on our approach, but the balance I have turned to use by marking on same the Royal Initial letters "G.R.I.", and in some cases amending the value to meet the requirements of the moment.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
[William Holmes]
Colonel.
Administrator: