§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the consent of the Emperor Menelik is still withheld to the agreement concluded between Great Britain, Italy, and France with reference to Abyssinia.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe validity of the agreement between the three Powers is not dependent upon Menelik's consent. The agreement was communicated to Menelik with the object of showing him that his interests were not adversely affected by the arrangements which the three Powers had made between themselves.
§ MR. ASHLEYIs it necessary to obtain his consent before the agreement comes into force.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYNo. Sir.