§ MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the proposed transfer of the territories of the Congo Free State to the Belgian Government will affect the lease of the Lado enclave; whether such lease can be transferred without the consent of the British Government; and, if so, whether such consent will be withheld until the whole matter can be thoroughly inquired into.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe conditions under which any transfer of the Congo State may take place are not yet known. Till they are known I cannot say what
† See (4) Debates, clxxiii., 264.1472 the effect may be upon the lease in question. In any case, the Answer to the last paragraph of the hon. Member's Question, supposing it is held that any change at all as regards the lease is admissible, is in the affirmative.