§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has yet received particulars of the capture of the steamship Countess of Carnarvon by the Portuguese on the Limpopo River; and whether he is in a position to give any information on the subject to the House?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThe particulars have not yet been received in an authentic form. The reports as to the facts are so conflicting that no reliable information can be given.
§ DR. CAMERONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many weeks ago a statement on the subject was issued by the Portuguese Government— how is it that we are so far behind?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONI can only say that information has been telegraphed for, but the region where the event took place is not within reach of the telegraph.
§ DR. CAMERONIs it not the fact that the Cape papers have published full details?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONI am not aware.
§ DR. CAMERONThen I will repeat the question on another day.