HC Deb 02 August 1897 vol 52 cc94-5
MR. DAVITTT

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Palmyra Islet has recently been occupied as a British possession; and, if so, was such occupation carried out by orders from the Foreign Office; and whether the occupation of this islet is to be temporary or permanent in its character; if permanent, whether any communication to that effect will be addressed to the Government of the Hawaiian Republic or to any other Power?

MR. CURZON

A British Protectorate was declared over the unoccupied island of Palmyra in 1889. The occupation will be maintained, but has not required any communication either to other Powers or to Hawaii, with whom the island has no present connection.