HC Deb 20 March 1876 vol 228 c272

In reply to Mr. EDWARD JENKINS,

MR. J. LOWTHER

said, the state of affairs relating to the question of the Gambia had entirely changed since the Motion of the hon. Member was originally placed upon the Paper. Communications had been received from the French Government placing further limitations upon the concessions which it was believed they were willing to make in return for the transfer of the Gambia. As these limitations would affect that absolute control over every portion of the coast proposed to be transferred, without which Her Majesty's Government felt it would be impossible to entertain the proposition, the negotiations had been brought to an end.