§ MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether French traders are permitted to sell firearms and spirits to the Natives of the New Hebrides, whereas British traders are expressly prohibited from doing so; (2) whether the joint agreements entered into between the British and French Governments in 1887 and 1888, in relation to the New Hebrides, contain any clause sanctioning this state of things; and (3) whether any remonstrances have been addressed to the French Government on the subject?
MR. CURZONThe answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The joint agreement contains no provision affecting the traffic in arms and liquor, which is prohibited to British subjects by Regulation under Order in Council. Representations on the subject have recently been addressed to the French Government. No reply having been received from them, instructions are being sent to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris to again draw their attention to the matter.