§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any-British subject has a right to enter Mashonaland without signing an engagement to abide by the regulations of the Chartered Company of South Africa; and whether, if so, there is any precedent for Her Majesty's subjects being precluded from entering into territories belonging to or under the protection of the Queen unless they sign an obligation to abide by the laws and regulations made by the authorities in such territories; and whether Manicaland is within the territories claimed by Lobengula; and, if not, under what Article in the Charter granted to the Chartered Company of South Africa that Company claims to exercise power and sovereignty in that territory?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE TOE THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. STUART WORTLEY,(for Baron H. de WORMS) Sheffield, HallamA British subject can enter Mashonaland without signing an engagement such as that referred to; but he cannot prospect or trade without a licence. He would, however, be bound by the laws and regulations passed by the proper authority. If the hon. Member has any documents in his possession showing that well-disposed British subjects are harassed by unreasonable requirements in this respect Her Majesty's Government would be obliged to him if he would give them an opportunity of investigating the grievance. Manicaland is not within the territories claimed by Lobengula, but is included in the countries under Her Majesty's protection; and so far as the Company are taking measures for preserving peace and order there, they are obeying the 10th Article of their Charter. Her Majesty's Government are not aware that the Company claims to exercise sovereignty in Manicaland.