§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that representations were made on behalf of the inhabitants of Rhodesia to Lord Milner, to the effect that the country can make no progress while the Chartered Company retains either commercial or administrative control; and that, on the advice of Lord Milner, a delegation representing the inhabitants is now in London; and, if so, will he say whether His Majesty's Government are acquainted with the negotiations which have taken place between the Chartered Company and the delegates; whether the Chartered Company have asked the delegates to pledge the future credit and resources of Rhodesia; and, if so, whether he will undertake that any arrangements between the parties shall be subject to the acquiescence or consent either of His Majesty's Government or of His Majesty's Government and Parliament.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonThe right hon. Baronet's information is not entirely accurate. At a conference of delegates from all parts of Southern Rhodesia, a resolution was passed to the elect that the country "can make no true progress so long as the British South Africa Company, as an administrative or commercial body, has any control or power in the direction of public affairs." At the same conference a deputation was elected for the purpose of "discussing and arranging a basis of a general settlement with the British South Africa Company." The deputation forwarded the resolutions of the conference to Lord Milner, and requested am interview. Lord Milner replied that he did not think that any advice he could give them would compensate for the expense and trouble of coming to see him, and suggested that it was for the colonists and the company to discuss the situation in the first instance. The deputation is now in this country. Some private information of an unofficial 233 character has just reached me as to the negotiations which are taking place between the deputation and the company. Any arrangement involving a change in the charter or in the constitution of Southern Rhodesia, or in its financial status, would be subject to the approval of His Majesty's Government.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say wherein my Question is inaccurate?
§ MR. LYTTELTONsaid as to the advice of Lord Milner that the delegation should proceed to London.
§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)The right hon. Gentleman said that the arrangement would be subject to the approval of His Majesty's Government. Ought it not to be subject to the approval of this House?
§ [No Answer was returned.]