§ MR. J. H. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any definite representation has been made to the French Government in reference to the recent occupation of British territory in West Africa?
§ MR. DAVITTBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask is it not denied by French Ministers in the French Press that there has been any occupation of British Territory in West Africa by French troops?
MR. CURZONAs this is a Foreign Office question, perhaps the House will allow me to answer it. The answer to the Question on the paper is in the affirmative. Perhaps the House will allow me to say that I have not had an opportunity of seeing the Secretary of State to-day, but I hope to do so this afternoon with a view to giving what information can be given as answer to the supplementary question put by the hon. Gentleman opposite.
§ MR. ALLEN (Newcastle-under-Lyme)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Treaty of 1890 with France recognised the territory of Sokoto as in the British sphere of influence?
MR. CURZONYes. The words of the Agreement are as follows—
The Government of Her Britannic Majesty recognises the sphere of influence of France to the South of her Mediterranean possessions, up to a line from Saye on the Niger to Barruwa on Lake Tchad, drawn in such a manner as to comprise in the sphere of action of the Niger Company all that fairly belongs to the Kingdom of Sokoto.
§ MR. T. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the kingdom of Sokoto has been definitely defined?
§ MR. W. ALLENI beg to ask the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he would be willing to give the House in a convenient form all the Treaties dealing with the boundaries of British, French, and German territory in West Africa?
MR. CURZONThe hon. Member will find the Treaties contained in Hertslet's "Map of Africa by Treaty."