§ MR. A. O'CONNORI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a concession of mineral rights over an area of 20 miles square, adjoining the Southern boundary of and within his territory adjacent to Reitfontein, South-West of Lake Ngami, was made by Moremi, Chief of the Western Bamangwelos, at De Nokane, Tonke River, to certain British subjects in August, 1570 1888; whether the said concession was notified in September, 1888, to Sir Sydney Shippard, Administrator of British Bechuanaland, or to any other British officer; whether the Colonial Office recognise the said concession; and whether any negotiations already completed or now pending with the German Government will directly or indirectly affect this and similar concessions by Moremi or other African Chiefs North of Bechuanaland?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSIt is believed that some concession of this nature was obtained in 1888, but, if such be the case, it has not been communicated to the Colonial Office, or, so far as is known, to the Bechuanaland Government, and it follows that no recognition has been given by the Colonial Office. As regards the last paragraph of the question, I am unable to give the hon. Member any further answer than that given on Tuesday by my right hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORDo the Government adhere to the answer given in this House on the 9th of June, 1888, that the sphere of British influence in that latitude extends to 20 deg. East longitude?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that question.