HC Deb 27 June 1889 vol 337 cc890-1
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether King Ja Ja has been examined by two doctors in St. Vincent, who reported unfavourably on the condition of his health; whether the Government will now allow the King to visit England; and whether King Ja Ja has expressed himself most anxious to meet the wishes of the British Government in every respect?

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

If the right hon. Gentleman is not able to answer the second paragraph of the question, will he consider the propriety of sending his Black Majesty to the warm climate of the South of Ireland?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

With regard to questions one and two, the examination of Ja Ja's condition showed that he was suffering from no organic complaint, and was in no worse health than most persons are at his advanced age; the question of a change of residence is under consideration. No expression, such as that referred to in paragraph 3 of the hon. Member's question, has been communicated to Her Majesty's Government, as having been used by Ja Ja, but it is very possibly true.

MR. W. REDMOND

Have the Government any objection to allow King Ja Ja to come to England in the same way that Cetewayo, a much more important man, was allowed to come, if he will give an undertaking not to use his visit against the Government?

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

I am not prepared to give an answer to that question.

MR. W. REDMOND

Then I will repeat it.

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