§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the cession of territory in Northern Borneo to a British Trading Company would, if approved by Her Majesty's Government, involve any responsibility on the part of this country; and, if so, what responsibility?
§ MR. BOURKESir, the approval of this proposed cession would not, as far as we know, involve any responsibility on the part of this country other than the general responsibility which devolves on Her Majesty's Government of affording protection to British subjects in all parts of the world, so far as circumstances permit. But Her Majesty's Government have not at present given any such approval.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERWill the hon. Gentleman inform the House, why the approval of Her Majesty's Government is asked, if there is no responsibility incurred?
§ MR. BOURKEThat is a Question rather for the persons who ask for the approval, than for Her Majesty's Government.