§ MR. BOURKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Native Chiefs on the Congo, with whom Great Britain made Treaties, 1854–1877, for the establishment of free trade throughout their dominions, had signified their acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of Portugal; and, whether these Chiefs have been consulted by Her Majesty's Government regarding the Treaty with Portugal not yet ratified?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEHer Majesty's Government are not aware whether there have been any communications between the Native Chiefs referred to and Portugal as to their acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of Portugal. These Native Chiefs were not consulted by Her Majesty's Government.