HC Deb 16 November 1888 vol 330 cc1385-6
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he will produce or quote the instructions which the Admiralty have been requested to issue to the Naval Commander regarding the blockade of the Zanzibar Coast; and, any instructions to the British Representatives on that coast as to the measures they are to take for the safety of British subjects in the event of hostilities resulting from the blockade?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)

It would be contrary to a sound practice to produce or quote the instructions to the Naval Commander-in-Chief regarding the blockade of the Zanzibar Coast. I have repeatedly stated that the details are left to his discretion, in concert with the German Admiral. The general purpose and limitation of the operations are defined in the Papers before the House. Again, no special instructions have been given to the British Representatives for the safety of British subjects. The Consul General has shown the utmost solicitude for their safety, and the blockade was postponed for a week, so that they might be withdrawn from dangerous positions.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked whether, in regard to the political question, he was to understand that the blockade of the German portion of the coast was to be undertaken by British ships, to be left entirely to the Admiral, and that no instructions on that point had been given?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

I have again and again stated that the Admiral has been placed fully in possession of the intentions of Her Majesty's Government, and he will use his discretion in regard to the division of the work.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

What are the intentions of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the use of British vessels in blockading the German portion of the Zanzibar coast?

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

The hon. Member must have read the Papers which have been laid on the Table of the House. They give the plainest description of the purposes of the blockade, and it will be strictly limited to those purposes.