§ MR. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, What steps he proposes to take in consequence of the unfortunate state of affairs in the Mauritius?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)My hon. Friend may well describe the state of affairs in the Mauritius as unfortunate. It has had my very careful attention, and, having read the complaint of Sir John Pope Hennessy against the Lieutenant Governor, and of Mr. Clifford Lloyd against the Governor, I have come to the conclusion that the situation is one most prejudicial to the interests of good government in the Colony. In these circumstances, I have already addressed a despatch to Sir John Pope Hennessy, stating that the relations between himself and his principal officer are regarded by Her Majesty's Government with grave dissatisfaction, and that the responsibility for this state of affairs rests, not with one only, but with both of them. I added that the good government of the Colony and the restoration of friendly relations would be promoted by the immediate separation of the two officials, and I directed Mr. Clifford Lloyd to proceed at once to the 562 Seychelles, to take up the duties of Chief Civil Commissioner. What further steps, if any, it may be necessary to take in the interests of the people of the Mauritius I am not yet able to inform my hon. Friend, as I wish to reserve any final opinion until we are sure that we have before us all the facts necessary to a just decision.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)asked whether it was not the fact that Sir John Pope Hennessy was not consulted before the appointment of Mr. Clifford Lloyd, and whether the traditions of the Service had not thereby been disregarded?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, that such a thing happened occasionally in the Service, although he was not sure whether it was the case in the present instance or not.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORThe gentleman who was then Colonel Stanley made the appointment.