§ 48. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he has made representations to Paris as to the feeling caused in this country, both among commercial men and among the Aborigines Protection Societies, at the suggested placing of Ruanda and Urundi under Belgian mandate?
§ 59. Brigadier-General Sir O. THOMASasked the Prime Minister whether the Government is in possession of information respecting native trouble during the Belgian military occupation of Ruanda and Urundi; whether he is aware that, if the Belgian claim to a mandate in the aforesaid districts were conceded, it would result in interference within the British sphere of influence, and involve complications in administration, communications, veterinary and medical controls, and the strategic situation; and whether, before such claim is conceded, an opportunity will be given to discuss the proposal?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis subject is still under discussion in Paris, and my hon. Friends may be sure that all the considerations referred to in the questions are not being overlooked by the British representatives.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the War carriers recruited for those places had to be retained under British control in order that they might be decently looked after; will he remember that the record of the Belgians on the Congo is not one to warrant an extension of their control over the black races?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the hon. and gallant Member must see that this is not a question to which he can expect that any reply can be given.