HC Deb 14 July 1881 vol 263 cc843-4
MR. HEALY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Since this Country is at peace with the King of Ashantee, why a large fine of gold dust was recently exacted from this potentate; what this fine represents; whether it is war indemnity; whether it is the price of this Country keeping the peace towards him; on what principle the amount of indemnity was fixed; and, whether the Home Government was consulted before the gold dust was demanded from Ashantee?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, the gold dust received from the King of Ashantee was not exacted as a fine or a war indemnity, but was offered by him as a token of submission, and accepted as a partial set-off against the expenses incurred by the Colony in making preparations to resist the invasion of the protected States, which he threatened, if a political refugee were not given up to him. The Home Government were not consulted in the matter.

MR. HEALY

asked whether it was not a fact that the King denied the sending of a threatening letter?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE,

in reply, said, that he had that morning read through the Papers, and the answer he had given was in accordance with the view he derived from reading them. Although it was true that the King had stated that it was not his intention to attack the Colony, yet, at the same time, he had placed a large force upon the Frontier, and it was generally believed he was going to make an attack on tribes under our protection.

MR. T. D. SULLIVAN

asked on what pretence the Gold Axe of the King was taken from him and brought to England?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

said, he answered that Question before.