§ Mr. FELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies it the British settlers and claimants for land in the New Hebrides will be prejudiced by the action of the French Government in lending officers and men to assist the French claimants to make surveys of the land they claim in that group?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)In Article 22 (3) of the Anglo-French Convention of 1906 surveys are specified as only one of several "acts proving open exercise of the right of ownership," which are to be taken into account by the joint court in dealing with a claim partly based on occupation. There is nothing in the Convention to make it material whether surveys are made for claimants by military officers and men temporarily seconded from the Active List or by private surveyors.
§ Mr. FELLWill the British settlers be prejudiced if the French settlers have the assistance of those men making their surveys and plans and the Englishmen have not?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not think so. I do not think there is any fear that the British plans will not be adequately supported. We will carefully watch matters, and if the hon. Member has any particular information to furnish us with we shall be very glad to look into it.