§ MR. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proclamation of the native kingdom of Tonga as an exclusively British sphere of influence involves any change in the present government or political constitution of the group; if so, what is the nature of the contemplated changes; and has Her Majesty's Government assumed responsibility for any financial indebtedness of Tonga to Germany or to German traders.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo statement can be made as to the future position of Tonga pending the result of Mr. Thomson's mission to discuss the subject with the King. Her Majesty's Government have not assumed any financial responsibility for Tongan indebtedness.