HC Deb 22 June 1876 vol 230 cc249-51
SIR JOHN KENNAWAY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can give the House any information as to the Proclamation for the Suppression of the Slave Trade lately made by the Sultan of Zanzibar, and as to the steps proposed to be taken by Her Majesty's Government, to support and assist the Sultan in carrying out the same?

MR. BOURKE

The Proclamations alluded to are in these words— Proclamation. In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. (Seal of His Royal Highness Seed Bar hash.) From Barghash bin Saeed bin Sultan. To all whom it may concern of our friends on the mainland of Africa, the Island of Pemba, and elsewhere. Whereas, in disobedience of our orders and in violation of the terms of our Treaties with Great Britain, slaves are being constantly conveyed by land from Kilwa for the purpose of being taken to the Island of Pemba. Be it known that we have determined to stop, and by this order do prohibit all conveyance of slaves by land under any conditions; and we have instructed our Governors on the coast to seize and imprison those found disobeying this order, and to confiscate their slaves. Published the 22nd of Rabea el Awal, 1293 (being equivalent to 18th April, 1876.) True translation. John Kirk, Her Majesty's Agent and Consul General

(Enclosure 4 in No. 04.)

"Proclamation.

"In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

"(Seal of His Highness Seyed Barghash.)

"From Barghash bin Saeed bin Sultan.

"To all whom it may concern of our friends on the mainland of Africa and elsewhere.

"Whereas slaves are being brought down from the lands of Nyassa, of the Yao, and other parts, to the coast, and there sold to dealers who take them to Pemba against our orders and the terms of the Treaties with Great Britain. Be it known that we forbid the arrival of slave caravans from the interior, and the fitting out of slave caravans by our subjects, and have given our orders to our Governors accordingly, and all slaves arriving at the coast will be confiscated.

"Published the 22nd of Rabea el Awal, 1293 (being equivalent to 18th of April, 1876).

"True translation.

"John Kirk,

"Her Majesty's Agent and Consul General."

The Slave Trade Papers are printed annually; therefore, in the usual course, these particular Papers would not be laid before the House before next Session; but as considerable interest is felt upon the subject, I will lay Dr. Kirk's despatch and the Proclamations on the Table this evening. Suggestions have been made to Her Majesty's Government as to certain steps which may be taken with the view of dealing more effectually with the land traffic; and those suggestions have been sent to Dr. Kirk to report upon. It will be necessary to wait for his answer before any decision can be come to. Meantime, when we heard of the issue of the Proclamations, my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs sent the following telegram to Dr. Kirk, which expresses the instructions of Her Majesty's Government upon the important step which has been taken:— Express to Sultan the gratification of Her Majesty's Government at the measures adopted by His Highness for suppressing slave traffic in his dominions. You will receive further instructions by post when we receive reply to my despatch of April 20, 1876.