HC Deb 31 May 1894 vol 25 cc29-30
SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the offer of the strip from Lake Tanganyika to Lake Albert Edward was first made to this country by the Congo State; whether, by a Despatch of August, 1892, Egypt reserved her rights over the Equatorial Province; and if it is true that Germany and France have both lodged protests against the Agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the King of the Belgians as representing the Congo State?

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

I must defer answering the first two questions, which have only just appeared on the Paper, until to-morrow. The French Ambassador has addressed a Note stating that France makes full reserve in respect of the Agreement. No communication has been made to us by the German Government. This answer applies to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for the Ecclesall Division of Sheffield.

SIR C. W. DILKE

Have the Government heard from Berlin that communications have been sent from there to Brussels?

SIR E. GREY

I cannot make statements as to communications addressed to other Powers.