MR. MOWBRAY (Lancashire, Prestwich)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received information that officers of the French Government of Senegal have appointed certain Chiefs to rule over the countries of Badiboo Saba and Sangally, which, are on the north bank of the British River Gambia, and which are under British influence; whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that the French officers have allotted territories to these Chiefs, and concluded Treaties with them; and, what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to put a stop to this interference with the rights and commerce of Great Britain?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The information received by the Colonial Office does not bear out the statements contained in my hon. Friend's Question. Disturbances have taken place at Badiboo and other places in the vicinity of the Gambia, and questions with regard to the respective interests of France and England have arisen. Her Majesty's Government are now in communication with the French. 945 Government with a view to the conclusion of a satisfactory settlement of the outstanding differences and a maintenance of any British rights which may be involved.