§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it is true that Admiral Gore Jones, of the Indian Station, recently landed and marched to the Royal residence of the Queen of Madagascar, for the purpose of arranging a Treaty engaging to recognise and assist her in assuming Sovereignty over the whole of the Island, he being aware at the time that some of the tribes on the West Coast claim to be independent of the Hova Queen, and that in the exercise of their independence they had at various times presented sketches of their Coast to France, and also granted charters to French settlers; and, whether, if true, Admiral Jones acted upon his own responsibility or with the authority of the Home or Indian Governments?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, the recent visit of Admiral Gore Jones to the Queen of Madagascar was intended as one of compliment, and in response to a wish expressed by the Hova Government. Admiral Gore Jones did not attempt to arrange any Treaty, although the state of the South-Western coast of Madagascar, and the question of establishing the Queen's authority over that portion of territory, was referred to by the Queen of Madagascar and the Prime Minister.