MR. J AMES WILLIAM LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether Her Majesty's Government have received any confirmation of the report that a French Expedition has occupied and fortified a position on the banks of the River Niger; whether this position is situated within the limits of the districts over which Her Majesty's Government declared a Protectorate in June 1885; and whether any explanation of the proceedings of this reported expedition have been tendered by, or requested from, the French Government?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, BerwickWe have been told by the Niger Company that they have received information from their Agent as to the occupation of a position by a French expedition on the Niger within the limits of the British Protectorate under the Notification of 1887. In reply to a communication which has been made to the French Government, we have been informed that Captain Toutée, who is reported to be the leader of this expedition, is a private traveller. Further inquiries are promised, in order to obtain more complete information.