HC Deb 25 February 1895 vol 30 c1482
MR. H. LABOUCHERE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can say what is the line of demarcation between the British and Portuguese spheres of influence on the north side of the Zambesi; and whether Her Majesty's Government recognises that all treaties between the Portuguese and the Native chiefs within the Portuguese sphere of influence are matters which concern alone the Portuguese and the native chiefs with whom they are made?

THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR THE COLONIES (Sir E. GREY, 1483 Northumberland, Berwick)

The line of demarcation is that defined in the Treaty of 1891, and the subsequent agreement of 1893 between Her Majesty's Government and Portugal. I cannot say what the full scope of any treaties between the Portuguese and Native chiefs may be without knowing what treaties are referred to.

MR. LABOUCHERE

What I wish to know is whether the Government regard all treaties entered into between the Portuguese and the Native chiefs as matters in which they are concerned?

SIR E. GREY

I cannot make a general statement of that kind, because it is conceivable that treaties with which we have no direct concern may be made, and may have an injurious effect on British trade. I do not, say that any such treaty exists; but I cannot make a general statement such as the hon. Member desires.