§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information that Rajah Brooke, of Sarawak, has on his own authority annexed a large new territory; whether Her Majesty's Government were cognisant of such annexation, or have approved of it; and whether British subjects are allowed to make such annexations when they can?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONHer Majesty's Government have as yet only imperfect information with respect to the transaction in question; but they have good ground for believing that the annexation of Limbang to Sarawak is in entire accordance with the wishes of the people of the country. British subjects generally 447 cannot seize and hold territory. The sovereignty of Rajah Brooke in Sarawak has long been recognised.
In reply to a further question by Sir G. CAMPBELL,
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONsaid: The annexation has been made subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government.