§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the further military operations against the natives of the Benin and Brass districts of the Niger Coast Protectorate, which are reported to be in contemplation, are sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government; (2) whether, should they be entered upon, this will be done in co-operation with the Royal Niger Company; and, (3) whether, as a result of the visit paid by the chairman of the Royal Niger Company to the Niger Delta, and of his negotiations with the Consul General of the Protectorate, any arrangement has been arrived at as regards a re-adjustment of the administrative and trading functions assigned to the company under its charter?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. GEORGE CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportNo further military operations against the natives of the Benin and Brass districts are at present in contemplation. No arrangement has yet been arrived at of the nature indicated in the third paragraph of the Question.