§ SIR WILLIAM HOULDSWORTH (Manchester, N.W.)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any information relative to an Address presented in May by the merchants of Lagos to the Governor of that Colony calling his attention to the fact that a French Agent had concluded an agreement with the Chiefs of Abeokuta, by which they ceded their rights of government to France; and, as the trade of Abeokuta, which now passes through Lagos, will be diverted to a French port, and the trade and revenue of Lagos seriously injured thereby, what steps are being taken to protect the interests of Great Britain in this district, and to prevent their being controlled by a Foreign Power?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)(who replied) said: The Address has been received; and Her Majesty's Government are taking steps to ascertain what foundation there may be for the rumours that a French Agent has concluded a Treaty with Abeokuta. They are in communication with the French Government on the subject.