§ BARON HENRY DE WORMS (for Mr. ASTIMEAD-BAETLETT)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether strong representations in favour of a British Protectorate over New Guinea have been made to Her Majesty's Government by all the Australian Colonies; whether he can confirm the statement in the newspapers of Wednesday, that the Marquess of Normanby, Her Majesty's Governor General, in opening the Victorian Parliament, had stated that collective representations to the Imperial Government were being made in favour of annexation or the establishment of a protectorate; and, whether, in view of the wishes of Her Majesty's loyal Australian Colonies, and of the importance of preventing any Foreign Power from occupying New Guinea and the adjacent islands, Her Majesty's Ministers will advise Her Majesty to establish an Imperial protectorate over those islands?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I can hardly give any information in answer to this Question beyond the statement I made to the House several days ago—namely, that Representations had been made to Lord Derby by the representatives of most or all of the Australian Colonies, excepting Western Australia, in favour of the establishment of a British Protectorate, not only over New Guinea, but over an extended region—in fact, over all the islands of Oceania, almost without exception; and that those representations being of an important character, and being only verbal, the 479 gentlemen by whom they were made have been requested to reduce them to writing. Then, I hope, we shall be able to make them known to the House. That is also an answer to the second part of the Question. With regard to the third portion, the House will be put in possession of the substance of the despatch in which Her Majesty's Government have stated their views on this matter; and I think it will be better to reserve any further question upon that despatch until it is in the hands of the House.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any communication by telegraph has yet been received from the Australian Governments in consequence of the statements made in this and the other House on Monday?
MR. GLADSTONEYes, Sir; we have received a statement by telegraph to the effect that disappointment is felt in the Australian Colonies at the disinclination shown by Her Majesty's Government to confirm the proceedings adopted by the Government of Queensland. What steps may be taken, or what proposals may be made, of course we are not in a position to state at this moment. That is the condition of feeling in most, if not in all, of the Australian Colonies on receipt of the intelligence to which I have referred.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked whether the Papers, when published, would include these telegraphic communications, and when they would be in the hands of hon. Members?
MR. GLADSTONEI think it is desirable that the telegraphic communications should be included with the other Papers. As to the time, it will be at an early date; but I am not able, without communication with the Colonial Office, to say at what date.