§ MR. CARTWRIGHTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that the proposals of the German Government for freedom 1215 of trade, in connection with the Conference on West African affairs, are to be understood as having reference solely to the Basin of the Congo, and not extending to the Niger; and, if he can give any information to the House as to whether there is any foundation for a report that territory at Ambas Bay, in close proximity to the Cameroons, has recently been brought under British authority?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe first basis laid down in the invitation to the Conference received through the German Embassy is that of liberty of commerce in the basin and mouths of the Congo; the Niger is not mentioned. The second basis is that of the application to the Congo and Niger of the principles adopted by the Congress of Vienna. The question of the trade in the basin of the Niger is, consequently, not included among the subjects to be discussed. It is true that the territory at Ambas Bay has been recently brought under British authority.