THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONIES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3747, 19 July 1883, Page 3

THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONIES.

CONQUEST OF ANNAM NOT DESIRED

BY FRANCE

AVORKING OF IRISH LAND ACT A

FAILURE

FEELING IN FRANCE OVER MADA-

GASCAR TROUBLE

THE COMTE DE CHAMBORD'S SUC-

CESSOR,

LONDON

July 11

In the House of Lords, Lord Derby has expressed the opinion that the Imperial Government Avill not object to English naval officers serving in the colonies. Lord Carnarvon advised that the colonies should contribute toAvards the costs of a squadron Avhich would be specially entrusted with the defence of Australian interests. Earl Northhrook objected to receiving colonial assistance in a pecuniary manner. Iv tho Chamber of Deputies, M. Challomel Lacour, Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained that it Avas not the desire of Franco to conquer Annam. The committee appointed by the House of Lords to inquire into the working of the Irish Land Act report that it has been a ruinous failure. July 12. The commercial industrial, and shipping interests arc unanimous that the concessions for the Suez Canal arc adequate for the purpose. A large section of the House of Commons is generally hostile to the proposals and it is doubtful if the Government -will persevere in them. Mr Gladstone admits that M. do Lessens has exclusive rights to the concessions to construct canals across the Isthmus of Suez. M. Challemel Lacour, tho French Minister of Foreign Affairs, professes to be ignorant of tho Tamatave affairs, and has telegraphed to Zanzibar for particulars. M. Jules Ferry expresses surprise at tho excitement in England, and the French Press generally is unfriendly toAvards Great Britain. The Comtc do Chambord has recognised the Comte dc Paris as his successor. July 13. Mr Murray Smith, Alctorian AgentGeneral, has communicated to Lord Derby, the Secretary for the Colonies, the address agreed to by both Houses of tho A r ietorian Parliament on the annexation question, and has urged compliance Avith the wishes of the colonies.