§ SIR WALTER FOSTERI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a letter, dated 13th August 1890, written by the Administrator of the Island of St. Vincent to King Ja Ja, informing him that it is Her Majesty's gracious will and pleasure to order his release from further detention as a political prisoner in St. Vincent, and to take steps for his re-conveyance to Opobo, on the condition that he will give his assurance in writing that, on being restored to his country as a private individual, he will for the future abstain from fomenting disturbance, and conduct himself with loyalty to Her Majesty, Her Governor, and representatives; whether, on the 18th August 1890, King Ja Ja signed the assurance as recited in the letter, at the Government Office in Kingstown, St. Vincent, in the presence of J. Choppin, Attorney General; F. B. Griffin, Treasurer; and George Smith, three members of the Executive Council of St. Vincent; and whether King Ja Ja is still detained in St. Vincent; and, if so, why Her Majesty's order for his release and re-conveyance to Opobo has not been carried out?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERQUSSON, Manchester, N. E.)I believe that the facts are correctly stated in the question. It was intended to permit Ja Ja to return to Opobo on the conditions mentioned; but in the meantime news was received from Opobo which showed that his return before a more effective form of administration had been established would be inexpedient. It is accordingly delayed; but I hope only for a short time.