§ MR. SALTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If England has acknowledged, or is about to acknowledge, the independent authority of the International Association of the Congo; whether steps have been taken for the due protection of British trade on the Congo and in the Countries adjacent; and, whether the International Association of the Congo is under the control or protection of any European Power that assumes a responsibility for its actions; and, if so, of what Power?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe question of the recognition of the authority of the International Association is now a matter of negotiation at Berlin. Her Majesty's Government hope that the steps which they have taken, and are taking, at the Conference will secure the due protection of British trade on the Congo and in the adjacent countries; and I may add that the increase of the Consular staff is under consideration. So far as Her Majesty's Government are aware, no European Power has assumed any responsibility for the actions of the International Association.