§ 5. Captain CUNNINGHAM - REIDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the principal terms of the lease from the Abyssinian Government of the Gambeila enclave to the Sudan Government; what annual rental is paid; how many years of the lease remain unexpired; and whether the lease gives the Sudan Government any option of renewal?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Gambeila lease is governed by the Anglo-Ethiopian Treaty of 28th October, 1902. Article IV of this Treaty provided that His Majesty's Government and the Sudan Government might select a site for a commercial station in the neighbourhood of Itang on the Baro River, having a river frontage of not more than 2,000 metres and an area not exceeding 400 hectares. The 1072 site was not to be used for military or political purposes. Itang was subsequently found to be unsuitable and Gambeila was, by agreement, substituted for it. The lease lasts as long as the Sudan remains under an Anglo-Egyptian condominium. To the best of my belief no rental is paid by the Sudan Government, but I have sought confirmation on this point and, should it prove that a rental is paid, I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDWas this lease laid before Parliament before it was decided?
§ Sir J. SIMONI shall have to have notice of that question.