§ Sir EDWARD SASSOONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to inform the House as to any amelioration in the conditions of administration of the Congo State since Belgium assumed responsibility in connection with it; and whether, in view of the absence of former complaints by British and American missionaries, he will consider the expediency of formally recognising the annexation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)As was stated on the 27th February, there has undoubtedly been improvement in the administration of the Congo State, but I cannot make a more definite statement until I receive the reports of the Consular Officers who are now on tour. With regard to the last part of the question, I have undertaken that His Majesty's Government will not recognise the annexation until they have laid before the House positive evidence that the state of affairs is satisfactory.
Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that annexation will not be recognised until this House has had an opportunity of considering the question?
§ Sir E. GREYThe undertaking I have given in my reply is quite full enough: "His Majesty's Government will not recognise the annexation until they have laid before the House positive evidence that the state of affairs is satisfactory."