HC Deb 11 May 1914 vol 62 cc689-90
3. Mr. HOARE

asked whether there is any reason to believe that the recent native rising in San Salvador was due to the carrying out of the provincial order contained in dispatch No. 65, in White Paper No. 7279; and whether His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon will be instructed to call the attention of the Portuguese Government to this order signed by the Governor-General of Angola, whereby it would seem that an attempt was made by the Portuguese Governor himself to secure forced labour for private profit?

Mr. ACLAND

The British Vice-Consul at Boma, who is now at San Salvador, has been instructed to report in connection with the case of Mr. Bowskill on all the circumstances leading up to the rising, including the question of recruitment of native labour, and I would prefer to await his report before giving any reply to this question. As regards the second part of the question the order referred to provides for the voluntary recruitment of contract labour and not for forced labour. To what extent the decree was abused, and, if so, who was responsible for its abuse, is a question on which I must wait for the full report expected.

Mr. HOARE

When does the hon. Gentleman expect to have the British. Vice-Consul's report?

Mr. ACLAND

I am afraid that is rather uncertain, as the means of communication appear to be very difficult.

Mr. HOARE

Is it a question of weeks or months?

Mr. ACLAND

As I do not know how difficult the means of communication are I could not give any useful estimate.

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