HC Deb 09 December 1908 vol 198 cc458-9
MR. RENWICK

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has officially recognised the transfer of the Congo Free State to Belgium; and, if so, whether guarantees have been given by the Belgian Government ensuring a continuance of international free trade in the territory transferred, as defined in the Berlin Act of 1885.

* THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. MCKINNON WOOD, Glagsow, St. Rollox)

His Majesty's Government have not yet officially recognised the transfer of the Congo Free State to Belgium. In the discussion on this subject between the two Governments, which has been presented to Parliament, the Belgium Government have formally declared their intention to abide by the Treaty obligations of the Congo State under the Berlin Act of 1885. The position remains as disclosed in the Papers laid before Paliament.

MR. BELLOC (Salford, S.)

Shall we have a discussion on this before the end of the present session?

* MR. MCKINNON WOOD

That is not a matter on which I am able to reply.

MR. BELLOC

Will the Papers be laid before Parliament before the end of the present session?

* MR. MCKINNON WOOD

I believe they will be laid before Parliament in January.

MR. RENWICK

Has any progress been made on the point raised in the last part of the Question?

* MR. MCKINNON WOOD

That question has been answered. The Belgian Government have formally declared their intention to abide by the Treaty obligations. That covers the point.

MR. BELLOC

Is there a guarantee that His Majesty's Government will not act before Parliament meets again?

* MR. MCKINNON WOOD

Of course, my right hon. friend is taking continuous action to secure objects which I am sure have the sympathy of my hon. friend.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to the Secretary of State the fact that there is a large body of opinion in this House, which objects to the suppression of Papers until Parliament is not sitting?

* MR. MCKINNON WOOD

There is no question of the suppression of Papers.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Well we heard nothing of the Treaty with Russia until after Parliament was prorogued.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order.