§ LORD NAPIER OF MAGDALAasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government would take any steps towards mediating between the Government of Italy and King John of Abyssinia, in order to prevent, if possible, the loss of life and the misery which a war between Italy and Abyssinia would entail, and also to enable Her Majesty's Government to fulfil the 1st Article of the Treaty with King John of Abyssinia, which guaranteed for him a free transit through Massowah? The noble and gallant Lord said, he was induced to ask the Question by a grateful remembrance of the assistance afforded by King John and the Abyssinian people to the British 512 troops in Abyssinia. It was not his desire to enter on the question of the occupation of Massowah by the Italian troops. Although Massowah was really a part of Abyssinia, and ought, by right, to he restored to King John; yet, unfortunately, in the present state of his country, he could not held it against any country possessed of a Fleet. He (Lord Napier, of Magdala) confessed that he viewed with satisfaction the occupation of the African Coast by a highly honourable and enlightened nation such as the Italians, and hoped that close intercourse with Abyssinia would lead to much social improvement of that country. King John had done much to create law and order in Abyssinia. He ruled over a wild and unruly people, including- many feudal Chiefs of considerable power, and therefore had had to exercise some severity. They must not forget that it was not very long since their own Penal Code was very severe; but King John had done much for the improvement of Abyssinia, and for promoting commerce; and it would be a subject of great regret if war should throw back all that progress. The origin of the quarrel was not generally known; but it was supposed that the Italians had advanced on the neutral ground which had been previously maintained between Abyssinia and Massowah. Probably the Commanders on both sides had gone beyond the wishes of their Rulers. It was much to be regretted that Abyssinia did not appeal for the mediation of England before blood had been shed. If they could possibly mediate between the two countries, it would be a benefit to humanity. The Italians were a military nation with a highly disciplined army, and perfect weapons of offence, and there could be no doubt that they must ultimately prevail; but the Abyssinians also were a brave race of hunters, and good marksmen; their country was very difficult. If the advance through the long dangerous passes would he difficult with an enemy thoroughly acquainted with the country, able to travel long distances rapidly, and requiring little commissariat, a retreat might be disastrous, as the passes were liable to sudden floods which came with little warning, and swept away everything in their path. He trusted that Her Majesty's Government would endeavour to mediate between the two countries. It would be a great benefit to humanity.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)My Lords, I am not at all surprised, at the interest which the noble and gallant Lord feels in this matter, for, in his case, Abyssinia is connected with the recollection of very brilliant military operations. There is no man who is more entitled to take an interest in that country, and there is no man whose opinions and warnings should be received with greater attention, or should have greater weight attached to them. I quite concur in the view he takes of the relations of this country to the King of Abyssinia. He has been a good friend to us, and we have no cause of complaint against him, but rather we have cause to set value on the friendship he has shown. On the other hand, our friendship with the Italians is of long date—it dates from the origin of their Kingdom—and has, as far as I know, never suffered a cloud, and there has never been a period at which it has been more cordial, I believe, on both sides than it is now. We naturally should look with extreme sorrow on any event that would involve either of the Powers named in a sanguinary war; but I will not permit myself to speculate on the probabilities of such an event, or on the causes that may lead to it. The Italians know perfectly well that if it should over fall within our power in any way to assure the chances of peace, or to give to them any assistance we can legitimately offer, it will be an opportunity that we shall very gladly and heartily welcome. But the offer of mediation, as the noble and gallant Lord knows well, is not an offer which it is open to any Power to make unless the Power making it is certain that the friendly Power to whom it is made will receive it with satisfaction. Therefore, if we have taken no stops the noble and gallant Lord must not infer that we view what is going on with apathy or indifference. He must not infer that we are lukewarm in the cause of peace, or that there is any falling off in the friendship we have always felt for Italy, and also, as the noble and gallant Lord says, for Abyssinia. I will only earnestly hope that the calamities which the noble and gallant Lord anticipates may not happen, and I can assure him that in this, as in every other instance, the most earnest 514 efforts of Her Majesty's Government on all opportunities which may legitimately offer themselves will be used in the cause of peace.