HC Deb 22 February 1912 vol 34 cc716-7
Mr. BENNETT - GOLDNEY

asked whether the Foreign Office has taken part in any pourparlers or negotiations for the possible cession either of Walfisch Bay or Zanzibar, or both, to any other European Power?

Sir E. GREY

For many years past at various times possible exchanges of British territory have been considered informally by British Governments. Some of them have been found possible, others have been discussed and dropped. His Majesty's Government must always remain free to discuss possibilities without any public statement, but in the case of any cession of territory which was more than a frontier rectification the assent of the House would be asked under the conditions laid down by His Majesty's Government in the Debate of July, 1890, nor would any cession of territory belonging to a self-governing Dominion be made without the consent of that Government. I can make no further statement in answer to any questions of this kind than this, but if the hon. Member wishes to avoid error he must not assume that the cession of Walfisch Bay and Zanzibar is in contemplation.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is the precedent to which the right hon. Gentleman refers the case of the cession of Heligoland?

Sir E. GREY

It was on that occasion that the Government laid down, with the consent of the House, the principle I have alluded to.

Mr. J. WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was the Irish Nationalist party which objected to the cession?

Sir E. GREY

I have not read the whole of the Debate, and without further reference to it I cannot say.

Mr. BENNETT - GOLDNEY

asked whether the Foreign Office are aware of any preliminary negotiations having been commenced between any of the European Powers as to the future control of Fernao Veloso Bay or of the Portuguese Kacongo territory north of the Congo; and, if not, whether any negotiations are contemplated between Great Britain and any other country with regard to those places?

Sir E. GREY

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. KING

asked whether a secret Anglo-German treaty relating to possible future changes in Africa was concluded in 1898; if so, whether it is still in force; if it is not in force, when was it denounced or superseded; and whether the terms of this treaty can now be published?

Sir E. GREY

It must, I think, be clear to the hon. Member that if I were to answer questions of this kind with regard to alleged secret treaties such treaties would cease to be secret.