§ 18. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a memorandum has been addressed to him by the Congo Reform Association which imputes oppression on the part of Belgium and recommends intervention on the part of Great Britain in the administration of a friendly Power; and, if so, what answer he has returned to this communication?
§ Mr. ACLANDA memorandum has been received, but the hon. Member must refer for its substance to those who sent it. The answer to be returned is under consideration.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the hon. Gentleman dispute the description I have given that the memorandum does impute oppression to a friendly Power?
§ Mr. ACLANDYes. The description is not quite correct in my opinion.
§ Mr. EUGENE WASONIs it the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the annexation of the Congo?
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the annexation of the Congo, but, as the House will remember, a promise was given that the House would be consulted before that was done. I hope an opportunity may be found soon for that dis- 365 cussion, but it will not be before the first week in May.