HC Deb 22 February 1886 vol 302 cc895-6
SIR DONALD CURRIE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether his attention has been called to the following telegram from Paris, published in The Daily News of the 19th instant:— Paris, Thursday Night. A member of the Committee named to report on the Patrimonio Treaty informs me that the Hovas would never have accepted that settlement of their quarrel with France had it not been for the screw put upon them by Lord Salisbury's Cabinet. In return for this service M. Haas, the French Agent at Mandalay, was, my informant says, disavowed by his Government, and King Theebaw abandoned; and, to be so good as to inform the House what are the facts of the case?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BRYCE)

The statement referred to is entirely without foundation. Her Majesty's Government have not interfered, directly or indirectly, in the negotiations between France and Madagascar.