England and France.

Manawatu Herald, 2 April 1895, Page 2

England and France.

I In reply to a question, Sir Edward Grey, Parliamentary Under-Secre-tary to the Foreign Office, Raid Germany, Italy and the Congo State I had recognised the British sphere on

the Upper Nile; The other Powert were aware of Britain's claims and had never disputed . their validity, lie had no reason 1 to believe a French 1 expedition was advancing on the Upper Nile. He was not aware whether the French expeditions bad yet reached the Niger territory. The news was serious, if true. He went on to say that undoubtedly the action of the French in Biam and Africa had caused anxiety and uneasiness to Britain. On her part she had striven to maintain good relations, but if they were to be preserved the co-operation of the French Government and people wa3 necessary. The! G-overnmedt Wad awaiting a reply from the French Government regarding the French expeditions in British territory in West Africa, and the Imperial Government wa3 determined to maintain its position. The statement created a profound impression in the House, and she press approves the firmness of the tone adopted by the Government. , ? Mr Labouchere, speaking on the subject, said he regarded the speech of Sir E. Grey as a menace to France. The French newspapers, referring to Sir E. Grey's statements respecting the French expeditions, declare them to be empty swagger. ... The French Minister for ttfe* Colonies intends to reply to the statements in the Chamber of Deputies. The Economist urges a British expedition to proclaim possession of the Nile waterway from Uganda to the border of the Mahdi's territory.