§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give the House any information as to the reported proceedings of the French at Porto Novo; and, what action the British authorities on the Gold Coast have taken, or have been directed to take, in the matter?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, the French Government have notified, through their Representative in London, that they have re-established a French Protectorate over Porto Novo; and the Colonial authorities on the Gold Coast have reported that this step has been taken. This Protectorate, originally established in 1863, was withdrawn in the following year; and its withdrawal was officially notified by the French Admiral on the Coast to the Governor of Lagos. In 1878 the French took possession of a small district on the adjoining Coast named Cootenoo; but no French authorities, I believe, have been maintained there. It is impossible not to view with some concern this action in places so closely interwoven with our own Possessions; but the question is not 1099 of a nature to be dealt with by the local authorities, but will be treated in a friendly manner between the two Governments.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI wish to ask whether the action taken by the French Government has involved any interference with territories belonging to this country, or under the protection of this country?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYNo, Sir.