§ CAPTAIN BAGOT (Westmoreland, Kendal)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the investigation into the unfortunate collision between British and French troops at Warina, Sierra Leone; and whether he is in a 695 position to give any information as to the results of such investigation?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickPerhaps I may be allowed to answer the question. Reports have been received from Siena Leone which all go to show that Lieutenant Maritz's attack on British troops in British territory was due to his having mistaken them for Sofas. No information has yet been communicated to us showing how he came to be operating against the Sofas in British territory.
§ CAPTAIN BAGOTMay I ask whether the question of compensation to the relatives of Englishmen killed in this unfortunate affair has yet been raised?
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)As three months have expired since this unfortunate incident occurred, and as the Government have received a full Report in writing from the Commander of the British Force, can the hon. Baronet hold out any hope of explanations being offered by the French Government at an early date?
§ SIR E. GREYThe facts we have received have been communicated to the French Government, who have expressed on their part a desire to make inquiries for themselves. There is no reason to suppose that the inquiries will be in any way unduly protracted, and as soon as they are completed no doubt the question of compensation will be arranged between the two Governments.