§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the First Lord of the Treasury, When he will be in a position to communicate to the House the decision of Her Majesty's Government on the annexation of New Guinea by the Queensland Government; and, when the Papers on the subject, which were promised last week, will be in the hands of honourable Members?
MR. GLADSTONESir, the despatch containing an exposition of the views of Her Majesty's Government on this question is very nearly ready to be sent to Queensland, and it will be laid upon the Table of the House immediately upon its being sent. I may just state the substance of it as far as it is retrospective. The despatch sets forth that, in the view of the Government, the act of the Government of Queensland is clearly null in point of law, and we cannot admit it to be warranted in point of policy, and we are not prepared to confirm it. We think, also, that, in any event, the particular Colony of Queensland in not well suited for the function which has been assigned to it by the act; and if any measure is to be taken under any circumstances, it should be undertaken on the responsibility of the Home Government. There will be reference made in this despatch to the apprehension which some have entertained with regard to the occupation of New Guinea by Foreign Powers—an apprehension which we have no reason to entertain—but the despatch will certainly proceed on the recognition of the fact that such a question as that is one not lying beyond the sphere of our interests. The despatch, however, will be the proper medium for the expression of our sentiments on this subject. It does refer to an intention to strengthen the hands of the High Commissioners with respect to the police of those seas. That is, perhaps, enough to say with respect to a Paper which, I hope, will be in the hands of the House before many days are over. I may also mention that my noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has received from Representatives of the Australian Colonies vivâ voce propositions for a very large and comprehensive annexation in those seas; but he has requested that 56 they shall be submitted to him in writing. They have not yet reached him in that form.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHIn view of the very important statement which the right hon. Gentleman has made, I beg to ask if, after we have seen the despatch, and it may appear necessary to call the attention of the House to it, the right hon. Gentleman will afford facilities for doing so?
MR. GLADSTONEI think that it will be well to postpone any reply to that Question until the despatch is in the hands of hon. Members, when they will be able to judge for themselves whether that contingency arises.