§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If there is any truth in the rumour that Her Majesty's Government has entered into negotiations with the Portuguese Government by which both banks of the River Congo and a very large district in the interior of Africa would become part of the dominions of Portugal; and, if so, whether the Government will inform the House of the terms of such proposed Treaty before it is concluded?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICENegotiations have been taking place between this country and Portugal with regard to the district on the West Coast of Africa to which my right hon. Friend alludes. They involve the consideration, not only of complicated questions of jurisdiction, but also of important points connected with religious liberty, freedom of commerce, and the prevention of the Slave Trade. It is impossible for me to make a statement on the subject within the limit usually assigned to the answer to a Question; but I may assure my right hon. Friend that Her Majesty's Government have no intention of taking the House by surprise, and that ample information will be afforded by Papers which will in due course be laid before Parliament. No decision has yet been arrived at.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERWill the noble Lord give me any idea when the Papers will be produced?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEAs I stated, negotiations are still proceeding, and the presentation of Papers will be as soon as the negotiations are concluded.
§ MR. BOURKEA Treaty will not be signed until the Papers have been presented?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI give no pledge as to that.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERIn consequence of what my noble Friend has stated, I suppose, in some form or an- 831 other, information will be given to the House before the Treaty is signed?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI think that was covered by what I said—that the House would not be taken by surprise.