France and England.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 231, 30 March 1895, Page 2

France and England.

COMPLICATIONS ARISING. IMPORTANT SPEECH BY SIR E. GREY. (Per Press Association.) London, Marcb 29. In the House of Commons, Sir E. Grey, parliamentary secretary to the Foreign Office, said Government had asked France to explain the nature and intentions of the two expeditions operat« ing within the Royal Niger Company's sphere in Africa. In reply to another question, Sir E. Grey said England would regard lhe presence of the French expedition in the Nile Valley as an unfriendly act. Sir E. Grey, in reply to a question, said Germany, Italy, and tbe Congo State, had recognised the British sphere on the Upper Nile. The otber Powers Were aware of her claims, and bad never disputed their validity. He had no reason to believe a French expedition was advancing on tbe Upper Nile, and was not awaro wbether a French expedition had yet reached the Niger territory. The news was serious if true. Undoubtedly the action of the French in Siam and Africa bas caused anxiety and uneasiness to England. On ber part she bad striven to maintain good relations, but if they were to be preserved the co-operation of the French Government and people was necessary. The statement created a profound impression. Tbe House and the press approved of the firmness of tone adopted by the Government.