DELAGOA BAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10032, 20 January 1896, Page 4

DELAGOA BAY.

The announcement made by cable on Saturday that England and Portugal were parleying with respect to Africa, and that it was rumoured that England had bought Delagoa Bay by virtue of pre-emption, is important, although somewhat obscure. Delagoa, Bay is of very great interest to us, more so than any expanse of land in the interior. It is said by Mr. Merrimaii, a prominent South African politician, to be the only absolutely secure harbour for large ships on the South African coast to the eastward after leaving Table Bay ; that it is the best outlet for the whole of the tablelands of south-eastern Africa, and especially for a temperato and well-watered country which is almost certain to become one of the greatest gold-producing countries in the world. Delagoa is also a splendid place for a naval station, and as commanding the Mozambique Channel, and for either striking at, or defending ourselves against, the French possessions in the Indian seas. There is a local coal supply, and, it is contended by Sir Charles Dilke, that the Power which holds this harbour in any war in which the Indian and the China trade are forced to make use of the Capo route, will have in its hands an unrivalled position, apart from its local value as regards African trade. Lord Carnarvon, who was Secretary of State for the Colonies, stated in reference to this place When I succeeded to office I had reason to think that the offer of a moderate sum might have purchased that which a very large amount now could not compass. Unfortunately the means were not forthcoming, the opportunity was lost, and such opportunities in politics do not often recur." Great Britain has always had a special right as regards Delagoa Bay, namely, that she could land troops there to march into the interior, which no other power could do. The possession of Delagoa Bay, and a small pieoo of the adjoining territory, would give us effectual control of a large portion of South Africa, for by havingtliat position, what may be called the Dutch States, the Orange River Free State, and the South African Republic, would bo cut off from access to the sea except through British ports. We have doubts however respecting the truth of the report, because Portugal must be unwilling to give up bo > important a position. Its', acquirement, however, may be part of a large scheme, in which Great Britain may; make conCessions which arc of more importance 'to ' Portugal than tho possession of Delagoa Bay. ; That point is of great value to a great; naval power like England, but. is of much' - less importance to Portugal, - '• r> -