HC Deb 24 November 1909 vol 13 cc188-9
Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he could state the nature of the claims that have been preferred against the Peru- vian Amazon Company or its immediate predecessors in title in respect of the ill-treatment of natives of Barbadoes; and if he had taken any action thereon?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

Some claims have in the past been presented to the Peruvian Amazon Company or its predecessor on behalf of British Colonial subjects through the Consular Officer at Iquitos, and these, have, I am informed, received due consideration, but the details of such claims are not at present available. Inquiry is being made through the Colonial Authorities as to the existing conditions with respect to Colonial subjects.

Mr. HART-DAVIES

asked whether any further reports as to the Peruvian Amazon Company have yet been received; and, if so, whether they can be communicated; and whether any information on the same subject has been received from the United States Government?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Only unofficial reports as to the incidents alluded to have at present been received, but I am in communication with the Peruvian Amazon Company on the subject. It has been ascertained by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington that the reports of personal misadventure and destruction of property of the two United States citizens in that region are correct, and that payment of a sum of 500 dollars, claimed on their account as compensation, has been recommended to the Peruvian Treasury.