HC Deb 26 July 1910 vol 19 cc1916-7
Mr. FELL

asked if the treaty with Portugal of 29th April, 1858, which provided that at the end of twenty years slavery should be altogether abolished in the Portuguese dominions, is still in force, or if it has been cancelled or annulled by either the Berlin or Brussels Acts?

Sir E. GREY

The instrument of 29th April, 1858, which provided for the abolition of slavery in the Portuguese dominions was not a treaty, but a Portuguese Royal Decree. It has not, so far as I am aware, been cancelled or revoked.

Mr. FELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, acting under the powers given in the treaty of 1858 between the Governments of Great Britain and Portugal, Her Majesty's ship "Swallow" captured in 1878 a Portuguese brig carrying slaves, or so-called indentured labourers from Angola, on the West Coast of Africa; and if this capture was upheld?

Sir E. GREY

A Portuguese brig was boarded, in 1878, by a boat from Her Majesty's ship "Swallow," with a view to verifying the status of certain negro passengers who were being transported to San Thomé. The "Swallow" was acting under provisions of the Treaty of 1842, which, since the Brussels Act came into force, no longer apply to the West Coast of Africa. There was no attempt to capture the brig, and the investigation led to no further action in the matter.

Mr. FELL

Have not the British Government frequently declared quite apart from these treaties that vessels engaged in this trade are pirates?

Sir E. GREY

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice, as I shall have to look the matter up.