§ Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent it is the practice of British consuls in the Southern United States of America to invite to official functions representatives of the negro communities there; and whether he will take steps to encourage the issue of such invitations on all possible occasions.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe duties of Her Majesty's Consular Officers are broadly speaking to protect British subjects and their interests, and in the Southern United States of America the discharge of these duties has not in practice involved the invitation to official functions of representatives of the negro communities. Should occasion arise where official or social contact with representatives of these communities would help in the fulfilment of their duties, Her Majesty's Consular Officers would, of course, not hesitate to make such contacts. I do not consider that any special instructions are necessary.