§ 4. Sir J. D. REESasked why Great Britain delays her formal recognition of the sovereignty already fully exercised by Belgium in the Congo with the assent of all ether Powers; whether such recognition is other than a pure formality; and whether such delay, while it has no actual effect, is calculated to give offence to a friendly Power?
§ Mr. ACLANDI have promised that Belgian sovereignty in the Congo should not be recognised by His Majesty's Government until Parliament had had an opportunity of discussing the question. That opportunity will, I hope, soon arise. The answer to the second question is in the negative. With regard to the third question I do not think that any misunderstanding of the action which it is proposed to take is at all likely.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill not the discussion be directed to the point that in certain quarters the Belgian Government is not considered sufficiently humane to govern the Congo?
§ Mr. ACLANDDiscussion presumably will deal with the past actions of the Government. We believe that the present Belgian Government hold the same views as Parliament here hold as to the state of things which should prevail in the Congo.
Sir GILBERT PARKERIn view of the fact that a discussion may soon take place in the House of Commons, may I ask if the Foreign Office will bring up to date any Papers that may be received between now and then and lay them on the Table of the House?
§ Mr. ACLANDPapers that were published on the question quite recently were meant to give information that would enable the House fully to consider the question.