§ 1. Mr. MALCOLMasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Anglo-Peruvian Slavery Treaty is still in 2069 force; whether he is aware that charges have been made by the Società, Pro-Indigena in Peru concerning the existence of the slave trade in the vicinity of Casco; whether he is further aware that Senor Francesco Mostajo, agent of the above-named society at Arequipa, has recently informed the Peruvian Government that in another distinct in Peru they are confronted with an attack upon humanity as nameless as that of the Putumayo; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made to ascertain if British subjects are involved in this charge?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)The instrument to which the hon. Member refers is presumably the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1850, Article XV. of which deals with the slave trade, and which is still in force. Charges have been made from time to time by the Pro-Indigena Society of cruelty to Indians in the interior of Peru, but I have no information respecting their occurrence at a place of the name of Casco or of Senor Mostajo's charges. As I stated on the 14th instant, in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Sowerby, if the hon. Member will furnish me with more definite information, I will inquire whether British companies are involved. I cannot promise to do more than that.
§ Mr. MALCOLMSuppose that the charges were proved and that this clause in the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation is in effective operation would the right hon. Gentleman be able to take steps to bring the slavery to an end in these places?
§ Sir E. GREYmade a reply which was inaudible in the reporters' gallery.