THE MADAGASCAR QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6564, 30 November 1882, Page 5

THE MADAGASCAR QUESTION.

[special, to rr.E«s ass eiATios'.] A FRENCH PROTECTORATE. THREATENING ACTION" OF FRANCE. FLIGHT OF THE KNVOYS FROM PARIS. [Received November 20, r>.lo p.m.] London, November 27. The French Government lias insisted on the establishment of a French Protectorate over Madagascar, and the envoys from the native Government refusing to assent to this, their flag was insulted, and the envoys fled to London without attendants, baggage, or anything. The .French Government now threatens a naval attack on Madagascar. DEPUTATION TO THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT. A large deputation has waited on the British Government, urging on them to firmly oppose the French with regard to their action concerning Madagascar. The reply was guarded, and to the effect that the Government were anxious to avoid irritating France during the settlement of affairs in Egypt. [Received November 3<\ 1 p.m.] THE ALLEGED FRENCH PROTECTORATE. London, November 28. Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary, replying to a deputation which waited upon him to-day with reference to the De Brazzas treaty, and the recent negotiations between the French Government and the envoys from Madagascar, stated that he was not awere of the existence of any treaty giving France a protectorate over the Island of Madagascar.