THE NIGER DISPUTE.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 253, 1 March 1898, Page 2

THE NIGER DISPUTE.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. London, February 25. In the House of Commons Mr Laboucbere moved the reduction of the vote for the West African frontier force. He said Mr Chamberlain was defying France. Mr Chamberlain, in reply, said ho had reason to hope that the negotiations would result in a friendly and satisfactory settlement of the boundaries of the West Niger territory. The Government were determined not to allow the trade of the Gold Coast districts to be strangled as that of Gambia and Sierra Leone had been. French expeditions had spread fanlike over the region constituting the geographical and legitimate British Hinterland. The establishment of a frontier police force was absolutely necessary. He further announced that the Cabinet was absolutely united on the West African policy from beginning to end. This announcement was received with cheers. Sir Edward Grey said the Government had na choice but to be firm. The amendment was negatived by 234 to 27. Mr Chamberlain further stated that Germany hud iufringed the agreement entered into in 1888, and had occupied Yenai in the neutral zono of the Guinea district in West Africa. The Governor of the Gold Coast thereupon was ordered to occupy Salaga, the 6eat of the German mission in Upper Guinea. Germany then consented to withdraw from Yenai, and Britain withdrew from Salaga. Major Lugard's departure for West Africa haß been delayed. Paris, February 25. ML Hanotaux, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has assured Sir E. Monson, the British Ambassador, that there was no French force at either Sokoto or Argunga, and no force was being sent.