HC Deb 02 July 1908 vol 191 cc950-1
MR. CLAUDE HAY

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what communications have passed between His Majesty's Government, that of France, and the Government of the Transvaal, since February, 1908, in respect of the recruiting of indentured labourers from Madagascar.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY,) Liverpool, Abercromby

No communications passed between His Majesty's Government and that of France. The Governor-General of Madagascar spoke in public strongly against the proposal, and it was understood that the French Government shared his objections. The Transvaal Government have since informed the Secretary of State that it is not desired that any further action should be taken in the matter.