§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he had yet received any Report as to the alleged cruelties committed under the control of the English Peruvian Amazon Company; and whether the United States Government had also supplied His Majesty's Government with information on this matter and to what effect?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)No further reports on the subject are expected, nor has any information been received from the United States Government since the date of my answer to Mr. Hart-Davies on 24th November last. The-information in my possession gives rise to a presumption that abuses have occurred. I have brought the charges to the notice of the company, who deny that they have any foundation and repudiate all responsibility. In these circumstances, I have suggested to them that a Commission of inquiry should be sent to the Putumayo.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman how long ago that suggestion was made, and whether there is any chance of its being accepted?
§ Sir EDWARD GREYI cannot answer the latter part of the question. That is a matter that rests with the company. I will answer the first part if the hon. Gentleman will give notice of the question.