§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether a blockade of the Malagasy Coast has been, or is about to be, established by the French Republic; and, if so, in what way the large population of the Mauritius can obtain their necessary food; and, whether a British representative will be sent to Madagascar?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, no intimation has been given of any intention on the part of the French Government to blockade the Coast of Madagascar. Mr. Pakenham is Her Majesty's Consul in the Island; he has been there for a considerable number of years, and is still there. There is also a Vice Consul, Mr. Wilson, at Mahanoro, on the East Coast of the Island.