HC Deb 19 March 1894 vol 22 cc583-4
MR. J. W. LOWTHER

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House any information respecting the reported collision between British and Portuguese forces on the Zambesi?

SIR A. ROLLIT (Islington, S.)

Before the hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask him whether or not the Treaty gives such rights to each contracting party as are reasonable and necessary; whether it provides for the reference of disputes to arbitration; and whether there was a difficulty pending at the time the right was asserted by force?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

I should be glad to have notice of questions as to the provisions of the Treaty. I have not the Treaty here, and it is not desirable I should inaccurately quote it. We have not yet heard definitely what has happened to give rise to this report of a collision on the Zambesi. Instructions have, however, been sent both by Her Majesty's Government and the Portuguese Government to prevent a recurrence of anything of the kind, if a collision has already taken place.

MR. J. W. LOWTHER

Is Mr. Johnston at present in Nyassaland, or is he on his way home?

SIR E. GREY

Mr. Johnston is coming home soon. I am not sure whether he has left.

SIR A. ROLLIT

Are we to understand that no definite details have been received at the Foreign Office?

SIR E. GREY

There have been various rumours that a collision has occurred, and certain information has been received which seems to make it probable that something has happened, but we have had no authentic or firsthand account of what has taken place.