HC Deb 27 February 1911 vol 22 cc3-4
Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there was any intention to grant at an early date official recognition to Belgian annexation of the Congo State; when the latest consular reports from the Congo were published; whether any later reports have been received; whether it was intended to publish such later reports; if not, would he explain why this is not to be done; and, if they cannot be published, could he state whether they give ground for the belief that the treatment of the natives in the Congo region has recently improved?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As my right hon. Friend told the House in March last, His Majesty's Government will not recognise the annexation until they are able to lay before the House evidence to show that the actual state of things in the Congo with regard to the condition of the natives and with regard to trade is such as to have brought us within, at any rate, reasonable measure of fulfilling our treaty rights. The latest Consular reports from the Congo were published two years ago. Later reports have been received, and others are expected for which I think it is desirable to wait. It is my present intention to publish, when ready, a collection of these reports such as will cover a considerable area in the Congo State. The reason for waiting is that the only valuable reports will be those upon the areas thrown open. One large area is thrown open, the rest (except some concessions) will be thrown open in less than two years. It follows that reports upon areas not thrown open yet have no value, as they are reports upon a system which is admittedly coming to an end very soon, or which has already come to an end. There has undoubtedly been improvement.

Mr. KING

Will the hon. Gentleman press for these reports to come to hand, so that the House and the public generally may have some evidence to go upon subsequent to two years ago?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have dealt with that in my answer. It is no use pressing for reports on a new state of affairs until that state of affairs has actually come to pass.