That African Treaty.

Manawatu Herald, 21 June 1894, Page 3

That African Treaty.

The London correspondent of the Australian Star telegraphs : The treaty entered into providing that Great Britain shall lease from King Leopold of Belgium, daring his life, one half of the immense territory in Equatorial Africa, formerly occupied by the late Abbas Pasha, has caused a great deal adverse comment in Europe. Notwithstanding the statement in the House of Commons by Sir Edward Grey, Political Secretary of the Foreign Office, that the agreement was not a European question, subsequent developments show that the treaty may lead to serious international complications. The Governments of France and Germany have declined to accept the treaty, and have formally protested to King Leopold against the agreement. The agreement is one of the greatest importance to the British, inasmuch as it secures to Great Britain the control of the whole of the Upper Nile, besides providing an unbroken line throughout the length of Africa. In addition to these advantages, the opening up of the country under British influence will give Great Britain an opportunity of keeping a check upon the French in Congo.