General le Duc Alain de Mylcandonai, His Majesty's Minister of War, to
Major le Comte Coward de Custaad, Chancellor of the Exchequer
My Lord,
Pray do not concern yourself that the proposals recently sent to His Majesty
will occasion any further drain upon the Exchequer. Since no new posts need
be created there will be no further salaries to find and I am confident that
any minor costs regarding the administration of such a system of Military
Justice, if indeed there are any, could met through minor economies from the
existing budget of the Ministry of War.
I must admit to some small surprise regarding your statement to the effect
that His Majesty has personally asked you investigate my proposals, on three
counts. Firstly, my sources at the Palace inform that my proposals have, in
fact, yet to come to His Majesty's attention. Secondly due to the fact that
(as you will be aware) as Chancellor you are answerable to the Minister of
State in the first instance, rather than to His Majesty directly. And
finally due to my understanding that, despite the title of your appointment,
The Minister for Finance and the Marine bears the nation's fiscal
responsibilities whilst Education is, in fact, your own area of
responsibility? Some clarification regarding the above would be appreciated.
As you say, regarding the proposals themselves the fact that they relate to
a military matter and thus clearly fall within the remit of the Ministry of
War rather than the Ministry of State clearly make them no concern of yours.
Should the Minister of State wish to offer any comments I have no doubt that
he will voice them to me personally and, needless to say, any suggestions
from this source will be given the most careful consideration. I would
emphasise, however, that the decision whether or not my proposals should be
implemented lies with His Majesty.
General le Duc Alain de Mylcandonai
His Majesty's Minister of War
P.S. To put your mind at rest, perhaps I should emphasise that the proposals
are aimed at dealing with future breaches of military discipline - rather
than past transgressions such as your wilful contravention of Dragoon Guard
standing orders to secure your majority.
