HC Deb 30 March 1896 vol 39 c390
*SIR C. DILKE

asked, as a question of which he had given private notice, whether the Government had reason to believe that France contemplated favouring her own trade in Madagascar at the expense of that of other Powers; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government would consider the possibility of friendly and joint action in the matter with the United States?

MR. CURZON

The point is one of very great importance, but we have as yet received no information from the French Government of their intentions, and I am afraid, therefore, at the moment I cannot add anything to what I said on Friday night.

*SIR C. DILKE

The attention of the right hon. Gentleman has been called to what purports to be a communicated note in reply to what he said on Friday night.

MR. CURZON

Yes, Sir, but no such communication has officially reached us.