§ SIR W. FOSTER (Derby, Ilkeston), for Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.): I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether King Ja Ja is still detained at St. Vincent; whether it was intimated to him in August last that he would be released from further detention as a political prisoner on his undertaking to observe certain conditions on his return to Opobo; whether the undertaking was duly signed by King Ja Ja; and whether, under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government will order his re-conveyance to Opobo?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON, Manchester, N. E.)Ja Ja is still detained at St. Vincent, but as was stated in the reply of the 2nd to the hon. Member for Leicester his removal to another colony is being arranged. An assurance was taken from Ja Ja that if permitted to return to Opobo he would conduct himself peaceably. The Reports from Opobo show, however, that his immediate return is inexpedient, and must, consequently, be deferred.
§ SIR W. FORSTERWill the right hon. Baronet lay on the Table the Papers relating to the subject?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONTo the best of my belief we are not in possession of the text of these documents.
§ MR. PICTON (Leicester)The right hon. Gentleman has not answered this part of the question—whether it was intimated to Ja Ja that he would be released from further detention as a political prisoner on his undertaking to observe certain conditions on his return to Opobo? Was it so intimated to him? We have not been told that.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONI do not think it is known in this country what were the precise terms used, or that Ja Ja had any distinct promise given to him, but I have not the least doubt that he was led to expect that he would be allowed to return home. It is plain that it would be very regrettable, if after his return he should have to be again removed.
§ MR. PICTONIs the territory of Opobo part of Her Majesty's Dominion?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONIt forms part of Her Majesty's Protectorate, and we are responsible for the preservation of order there.
§ MR. W. REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that it is only a question of time.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONOnly a question of time and of advisability.