§ SIR G. CAMPBELLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the official position of Mr. Johnston in African territories north of the Zambesi; whether he is an ordinary Consul; and whether he is to be, as stated in the Times of 6th March, practically Governor, assisted by a staff of officers, and by funds supplied to him by the South Africa Company?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONMr. Johnston is Commissioner and Consul General. An ordinary Consul is stationed in a foreign country from the Government of which he receives an exequatur. Mr. 761 Johnston, being in territory under British influence, is consequently not an ordinary Consul. It would be erroneous to describe him as Governor. His duties will be to conciliate the chiefs, develop trade, and bring the territories gradually under British administration. He will have a certain number of subordinates. The South Africa Company will contribute a sum for the maintenance of a police force.