MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Treaty of 3rd June 1884, between Great Britain, Egypt, and Abyssinia, whereof Article I. established free transit through Massowah to and from Abyssinia for all goods, including arms and ammunition, under British protection, is still in force, or whether it has been abrogated; and, if abrogated, how, and by what instrument, and whether with or without the consent of Abyssinia?
MR. CURZONThe Treaty of June 3, 1884, has not been abrogated. Some of its provisions have become inoperative 892 in consequence of the conclusion of the Treaty of Uccialli of May 2, 1889, which was communicated to Her Majesty's Government, and to which no objection was taken. The stipulation with regard to arms and ammunition must also be considered to be affected by Articles VIII. to XIII. of the General Act of the Brussels Conference of July 2, 1890.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDo I understand this Treaty is affected by the Treaty between Italy and Abyssinia?
MR. CURZONThat is the fact. The explanation I must leave to my hon. Friend after he has studied the documents.