§ MR. A. E. PEASE (York)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the following telegram that has appeared in the newspapers:—
Zanzibar, March 18.—The King of Johanna, the second largest of the Islands of the Comoro Group, having refused to receive a French Resident, the French Commandant at Mayotte promised that, if he assented, the French Government would endeavour to obtain an amendment of the Slavery Abolition Treaty with England. The King persisting, nevertheless, in his refusal, the French offered the Throne to the King's brother, who, however, declined to accept it. The French corvette Nielly was subsequently ordered to Johanna to bombard the place;and, whether he can confirm the truth of this report; and, if so, whether the Government will make representations to the French Government, with a view of preventing any further interference, on the part of the French, with the King 852 of Johanna, and take such steps as may be necessary to support the King in his adherence to the existing Slavery Abolition Treaty with England?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)Her Majesty's Government, although they were aware that differences existed between the Sultan of Johanna and the French Authorities at Mayotte, have no information confirming the intelligence conveyed in the telegram from Zanzibar. Mr. Holmwood, Her Majesty's Acting Consul General at Zanzibar, has, however, received instructions to report on the matter.