§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Lagos Weekly Record for 23rd January to the effect that, though Mr. Carter ultimately induced the Jebu messengers to assent to the proposed Treaty, he failed in his efforts to obtain from them an admission that they were authorised to do more than tender the prescribed apology, and to the statements made by British merchants and others to the effect that, as soon as the Treaty was reported at head-quarters, it was, instead of being confirmed and recognised, at once repudiated in the most forcible way; whether the information in his possession confirms or conflicts with the statements here cited; and whether the Papers promised upon this subject will be laid without delay upon the Table of the House?
§ * BARON H. DE WORMSI have referred to the Lagos Weekly Record of 23rd January, and do not find any statement of the kind described in the hon. Member's question. I have no information to the effect that the Treaty was repudiated directly it was reported at head-quarters, but within a month of its signature a peaceful party of travellers was robbed and beaten while at the capital, and refused permission to pass. The information in my possession points to the fact that the deputation had authority to treat on the subjects discussed at the meeting. The Papers will be laid so soon as this can be done consistently with the public interests.
§ MR. SUMMERSDoes the right hon. Gentleman adhere to his statement 359 that this has not been repudiated?
§ * BARON H. DE WORMSI have given all the information I have in answer to the question of the hon. Gentleman.