§ MR. STUART-WORTLEYasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is true that a Treaty is being negotiated or has been concluded between the German Empire and the South African Republic; whether before entering upon such negotiations or concluding such Treaty the Transvaal Government asked for the consent of Her Majesty's Government; whether such consent was given or refused; whether, if given, such consent was subject to any and what conditions; and, whether, if such Treaty has been concluded, its provisions are known to Her Majesty's Government; and, if so, when the provisions of such Treaty will be made known to this House?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYWe understand that on the 22nd ultimo a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Germany and the Transvaal Republic was signed at Berlin, preparatory to being submitted to the Federal Council, and to subsequent ratification. In a Protocol attached is an express declaration that this Treaty will only be ratified after the expressed or tacit approval of Her Majesty's Government has been obtained. This is in full and complete accordance with the stipulation of the London Convention of 1884. We have not yet received a copy of the proposed Treaty; but we know that its 1604 provisions are similar to those of other Commercial Treaties recently concluded by Germany. I apprehend there will be no objection to laying the Treaty on the Table of the House as soon as Her Majesty's Government have received and considered it.