§ MR. ROWNTREE () (for Mr. A. E. PEASE) (York)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the freed negro Fatah, who was originally brought to Morocco on board a British vessel, and who, therefore, claims British protection, is still in prison as a slave at Tangier; whether Sir W. Kirby Green, on his recent visit to the Sultan of Morocco, made any attempt to obtain his release; and, if not, can he state for what reason; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will instruct the Minister at Tangier to take steps to procure the release of Fatah?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Fatah, so far as Her Majesty's Government know, is still a prisoner. Sir W. Kirby Green did not lose sight of the case on his recent visit to Morocco, and it still engages his attention. The man is not entitled to British protection, and it is very inexpedient to extend the practice of foreign protection to Moorish subjects. The hon. Member is, no doubt, conscious that Her Majesty's Government cannot interfere officially with the domestic institutions of foreign countries which differ from our own.