§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, on what date he wrote to the Peruvian Amazon
1060WCompany suggesting that a commission of inquiry should be sent to the Putumayo; whether they have consented or whether any reply has been received; and, if not, what steps, if any, can be taken to stop the cruelties reported and the abuses of which the information in the hands of the Foreign Office makes him presume the existence?
§ Sir E. GREYThe suggestion was made on the 8th ultimo, and a reply dated the 11th stated that it was under consideration by the board, but I have not yet been informed of the board's decision. The locality is on foreign territory where we have no special Treaty rights, and is not within reach of any British representative from whom we could receive a report. All I can do, therefore, is to bring any information which reaches me to the notice of those who are directly concerned.