§ BARON HENRY DE WORMS (Liverpool, East Toxteth)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is a fact that Colonel Martin has been sent on a special Mission to the Queen Regent of Swaziland; whether such Mission has for its object to induce the Queen Regent to modify or surrender the position guaranteed to the Swazis by the Treaties of 1884 and 1890; and whether, in the event of Her Majesty's Government contemplating the non-renewal of the Treaty of 1890, and assenting to the annexation of Swaziland by the South African Republic, Papers will be presented, and an opportunity given to the House to discuss the question prior to such assent being given?
§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)I will, at the same time, ask whether it is the case that a message is being sent to the Queen Regent of Swaziland; and, if so> whether he will state the character of the message?
§ MR. S. BUXTONColonel Martin has not been sent on a special Mission; but, as Resident British Commissioner in Swaziland, he will, on returning from leave of absence, have an interview with the Queen Regent. Having had the honour of being presented to Her Majesty the Queen during his recent visit to this 184 country, he will assure the Queen Regent of Her Majesty's friendly feeling. The communication is devoid of all political significance. The answer to the second part of the question of the right hon. Gentleman is, No. In reference to the third part of his question, I should have thought the right hon. Gentleman's official experience would have taught him that it is not possible for me, at the present moment, to add anything to the answers I have already given on the subject.
§ BARON H. DE WORMSReferring to the last portion of the hon. Gentleman's answer, I would ask him whether he is aware that a similar request was made for Papers relating to the Swaziland Treaty of 1890 on August 4 of that year by the right hon. Gentleman the present Chancellor of the Duchy, in these words—
Considering the importance of the matter, it is most desirable that the Papers should be printed before the discussion conies on,and that the late First Lord of the Treasury replied—"Papers similar in character will be laid on the Table"; and whether Her Majesty's Government decline to follow that precedent?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI hope we shall be able to lay Papers on the Table before the discussion comes on. If we can we will do so, but at what time depends on the progress of Public Business.