HC Deb 11 December 1912 vol 45 cc438-40
27. Mr. CARR-GOMM

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Peruvian Amazon Rubber Company is now obtaining an increased quantity of rubber from the Putumayo, in spite of the fact that the Indian population has been reduced by many thousands; if so, whether this rubber is being conveyed by British bottoms to Europe by a steamship company of which the present British Vice-Consul at Iquitos is the agent; and, if so, whether he will take some action to put a stop to this state of affairs?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The figures of the amount of rubber exported during the first eight months of the year show an increase on the figures for last year, but are far below the figures for 1906 and 1907; the rubber is conveyed to Europe by vessels of the Booth Steamship Company, of which, as stated last Thursday, Mr. Brown is the resident agent. Endeavours are being made to secure proper treatment for the Indians employed in the collection of rubber, and as I have hopes of their success I should not consider myself justified in trying to interfere with the transport trade, whether carried on by a British company or otherwise.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Does not the hon. Gentleman see that this gentleman now acting as the representative of Great Britain is also the representative of the rubber company? Will he consider the propriety of appointing an independent gentleman to act?

Mr. ACLAND

We have got an independent paid officer there, but he happens to be absent on leave at the moment, and Mr. Brown is taking his place during his temporary absence. He was recommended as the best man for the post.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Does not the hon. Gentleman see that Mr. Brown is in an antagonistic position as agent of the rubber company?

Mr. ACLAND

I cannot admit that a British subject is unable to fulfil his duties perfectly honestly even although he may be an agent of a rubber company.

Mr. T. E. HARVEY

Would it not be possible, in view of the very grave happenings in Putumayo, to send out a temporary Vice-Consul?

Mr. ACLAND

I will convey that suggestion to the right quarter. But no sug- gestion has been made that Mr. Brown is not carrying out the duties in a perfectly-satisfactory manner.

Mr. CARR-GOMM

How long will the Vice-Consul be absent?

Mr. ACLAND

I cannot say at the moment, but I will find out?

28. Mr. CARR-GOMM

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has any information as to the alleged atrocities committed this year in the districts of Ultimo Retiro, on the Putumayo; whether His Majesty's Government has any information that 122 bodies of murdered men, women, and children, were seen in one district in March last; and, if this be so, whether he will communicate with the Peruvian Government in this matter?

Mr. ACLAND

The only mention that I have seen of this story is in a letter addressed by the Colombian Consul-General at Manaos to His Majesty's and the United States Consuls at Iquitos. In the absence of confirmation and of further details, I should not be justified in addressing the Peruvian Government.

33. Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked whether any, and, if so, how many, of the agents of the Peruvian Amazon Company have been arrested and punished?

Mr. ACLAND

I have no information beyond that given in the Blue Book and in reply to the hon. Member for Hitchin on 10th October last.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Is there no further information of anyone having been arrested or punished?

Mr. ACLAND

That is so.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

And in point of fact none of these men have been arrested?

Mr. ACLAND

We have not any information on the matter.

34. Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked whether His Majesty's Government can state how many of the agents of the Peruvian Amazon Company reported by Sir Roger Casement as being guilty of grave crimes are still in the employ of the Peruvian Amazon Company on the Putumayo?

Mr. ACLAND

I have no information on this point beyond that given in the Blue Book. If my hon. Friend will repeat his question next week, I may be able to give him further information.