HL Deb 16 May 1884 vol 288 c529
THE EARL OF FIFE

I beg to ask the noble Earl the Secretary of State for Foreign Aflairs a Question of which I have given him private Notice. The Question is, Whether it is true, as reported from Brussels this morning, that a Treaty has been signed between France and the International African Association, eventually ceding the territory of the Association to France; and, if not, what is the object of the Treaty?

EARL GRANVILLE

I do not think the statement of the noble Earl is quite correct. I am placed in rather a difficulty in speaking on the subject, because all the information I have respecting it is of a confidential character. But I hope soon to get it in a form in which I can give an answer to the noble Earl.