§ MR. BADEN-POWELLasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Is there any Treaty or exchange of assurances between England and France binding both Powers to respect the independence of the New Hebrides and of Raiatea; is Her Majesty's Government aware that a Convention has recently been entered into by Germany and France, whereby Germany concedes to France the right to take possession of the New Hebrides and Raiatea; was Her Majesty's Government informed by the contracting Powers that such a Convention was about to be made, and were they invited to take part in the Convention; and, have the Governments of the Australasian Colonies requested Her Majesty's Government to insist upon the maintenance of the independence of the New Hebrides and of Raiatea, for the reason that their occupation by any Foreign Power would be contrary to Treaty engagements, and injurious to British interests in the Pacific?
§ THE UNDEE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. BRYCE)Agreements do exist between Great Britain and France whereby both Powers engage to respect the independence of the groups of islands referred to; but a conditional arrange- 889 ment has been entered into with France in relation to the Raiatea group, securing full advantages to British commerce. Her Majesty's Government are aware of the Convention between Germany and France alluded to by the hon. Member; but it is not to the effect stated. It does not affect the agreement between Great Britain and France, but merely stipulates that Germany will do nothing to hinder France from eventually obtaining the islands in question. Under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government did not receive, and did not expect to receive, notice of such Convention, nor to be invited to take part in it. The Australian Colonies continue to object to the abandonment of the agreement with France concerning the New Hebrides; and Correspondence is passing on the subject with the Colonial Governments.