§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have any reason to believe that Her Majesty's Governor of Queensland was a party to the invasion of New Guinea; whether they have immediately repudiated the annexation of that island in the name of Her Majesty, or allowed it to stand till receipt of the despatch from Queensland; whether, in case the Governor was a party to the proceeding, he has been recalled; and, whether the Naval Officer in command of Her Majesty's vessels in the Southern Seas has orders to stop the filibusterers, or will such orders be despatched to him?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe only reply I can give to the first Question is that the telegram which I read to the House came from Sir Arthur Kennedy himself. Beyond that we know nothing. As to the remaining Question, the Government has not thought it necessary in the absence of information, which is promised by next mail, to take the strong measures pointed at by my hon. Friend.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLgave Notice that he would ask the Prime Minister, Whether the Colonial Government had power to invade and annex other countries without the sanction of the British Government, and even to cross the high seas for that purpose?
§ MR. O'DONNELLwished to ask, Whether the Colonial Government claimed to treat the Natives of New Guinea as rebels in case they resisted the annexation?
§ [No reply was given.]