§ MR. NAOROJI (Finsbury, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would cause inquiry to be made as to an alleged unprovoked attack by M. Suberbie, a French holder of a concession from the Government of Madagascar, upon British Indian subjects, the result of which was the seizure of their persons, trading canoe, and property, including 200 ounces of gold dust; and whether M. Suberbie's men fired on the British Indians when in their canoe, with the British flag flying?
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickThe Acting Consul reports that he is in communication with the French Resident General respecting the statement of a British Indian, made in November last, that his canoe had been stopped, and that he had been detained and searched for gold dust by Hova Authorities at M. Suberbie's instigation. The declaration of the British Indian makes no mention of firing upon the canoe, and states that no gold dust was found, and the canoe and property were restored with the exception of one box containing a small sum of money which was missing. We are waiting to receive the explanation from the French Resident General.
§ MR. NAOROJIThat answer refers to an entirely different case. Will the hon. Baronet further inquire?
§ SIR E. GREYIf the hon. Member can give me any information I will inquire into it.