§ MR. SALTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether information has been received that the United States are about to obtain an important harbour and coaling station in the Sandwich Islands; and, whether any efforts are being made to secure similar advantages for this Country?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDSir, it appear- from the reports received from the acts ing Commissioner at Honolulu that there is a party in the Sandwich Islands favourable to the cession of Pearl River to the United States in exchange for the concession of certain commercial advantages. This party consists of members of the mercantile community. The King is stated to be favourable to granting a lease of the harbour, but nothing definite has as yet been done on this 220 subject. I do not believe Her Majesty's Government contemplate taking any similar steps.