§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the case that Sections 1 and 2 of Article III. of the Anglo-German Agreement define the boundaries of the Cape Colony and the German Territories; whether the Cape Government have been consulted as to these boundaries; and whether it is the intention of the Government to consult the Cape Ministry as to the further delimitation of the Cape Territory at Walfisch Bay, before offering a settlement, or going to arbitration, as defined in Clause 2 of Article III. of the Anglo-German Agreement?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONAs this question only appeared on the Paper to-day I must also ask the hon. Member to postpone it. Perhaps before question time is over I may be able to answer it, but I cannot at this moment.
§ Subsequently,
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONsaid: Section 1 of Article 3 speaks of the Orange River as a boundary. As this made no change in the status quo, there was no question on which consultation was required by the Cape Government. The remainder of the section and the 2nd section do not define the boundaries of the Cape Colony; the contiguous territories belong to the Crown Protectorate of Bechuanaland, and to Khama's country, which is under Imperial protection. As regards Walfisch Bay, Her Majesty's Government have complete knowledge of the question in dispute, as stated on behalf of the Cape and on behalf of Germany. They would give the Cape Government every opportunity of strengthening their case before going to arbitration.
§ DR. CLARKWas the right hon. Gentleman mistaken yesterday when he said that the Cape Colony would not be considered because its interests were not affected? As its interests are affected, will he carry out his pledge of May 19, that it is the duty of Her Majesty's Government to ascertain and give due aonsideration to the opinion of the colonies before the question is finally settled?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONI have nothing to add to the very full answer I have given to the hon. Member.