HL Deb 21 February 1898 vol 53 cc1185-6
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

My Lords, seeing the noble Lord, Lord Selborne, in his place, I wish to ask him whether he can give any information to the House with regard to the report which has been circulated as to what is said to be taking place in West Africa?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (The Earl of SELBORNE)

I do not think the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition will expect me to go at this moment into any details on this very important subject, but I can give the House such information as Her Majesty's Government possesses. Mr. Chamberlain has heard from Lieutenant-Colonel Pilcher (the Senior Special Service Officer now on the Niger) to this effect— Information received that four French-European officers and 100 men have arrived at Argungu. Argungu is within the territories of the Royal Niger Company on the East Bank of the Niger. Her Majesty's Government cannot believe that, pending the negotiations which are going on, the French Government can have authorised the invasion of a territory to which our rights have been recognised by a Convention between Great Britain and France.