§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN (Birmingham, W.)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, under the Convention of February 27, 1884, with the Transvaal, Her Majesty has the right to appoint a Commissioner for Swaziland; whether the King of Swaziland has petitioned for this appointment, and has offered to pay the costs; whether the appointment is also asked for by a large number of merchants and Mining Companies interested in Swaziland; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to comply with this request; and, if not, why not?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)(who replied) said: Under Article 2 of the Convention of February 27, 1884, Her Majesty has the right to appoint Commissioners in the Native territories outside the Eastern and Western borders of the South African Republic, in order "to maintain order and prevent encroachment." Swaziland is such a Native territory. The King of Swaziland has sent messengers asking for the intervention of this country, and 948 for the appointment as British Resident of Mr. Theophilus Shepstone, C.M.G., who is his present chief adviser. The King offered, in 1887, to pay the salary of this officer if required to do so. The appointment has also been asked for in a Petition received from a number of persons or firms residing in Natal and elsewhere and interested in Swaziland. The appointment of a Resident or Commissioner has not been made; as Her Majesty's Government, after full consideration and communication with Sir Hercules Robinson, have been of opinion that circumstances have not rendered advisable that form of interference in the internal affairs of Swaziland.