THE PORTUGUESE QUESTION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 933, 17 January 1890, Page 26

THE PORTUGUESE QUESTION.

(per press association.) Berlin, January 8. An opinion is expressed in diplomatic circles here that the Portuguese Government will eventually disavow the action of Major Pinto in Zanzibar, and seek to obtain a convention of the European Powers to determine the question of Portuguese rights in the Zambesi if unable to effect a satis factory settlement with England. London, January 9. British warships are leaving Zanzibar separately with sealed orders. Twelve British warships have left for Zanzibar. It is surmised that they are under orders to blockade Mozambique. London, January 10. The Times this morning states that Portugal will restore the status quo, and withdraw the troops from the Zambesi territory claimed by England. Vienna, January 9. It is rumoured hero that Prince Bismarck will be asked to act as mediator in the dispute between England and Portugal over the occupation of the Zambesi. Lisbon, January 9. The Minister of Marine has informed the Chamber of Peers that it was uuunnecessary to make abnormal pre parations for defence, as he was hopeful that the Zambesi difficulty would be amicably arranged. London, January 11. The reply of the Portuguese Government .t° Lord Salisbury’s memorandum is considered satisfactory, inasmuch as it affords a basis for an amicable delimitation of the territory in dispute. The Portuguese Government have promised that free passage will be allowed the consular mails. The British fleet at Gibraltar is dispersing. London, January 13. Lord Salisbury has sent an ultimatum demanding the recall of Portuguese forces and officials from the banks of the river Shire, beyond Buo and south of the Zambesi from Mashonaland. lie insists on a reply within 24 hours. Mr Petre, British Ambassador at Lisbon, has left the capital under protest from the Government. Later. Portugal withdraws her protest, and reserves the rights of the Crown. The ultimatum is a reply to the Portuguese proposals for a return to the status quo, invoking a conference of the Powers or recourse to arbitration. The Times says Lord Salisbury’s demands are exceedingly moderate. The impudent demands of the Portuguese' Government required sharp treatment. Lisbon, January 13. The mob attacked the British. Consulate, tore down the Royal arms, and broke the windows of the Portuguese Ministers, demanding their resignations. The police made several arrests. i It is reported that Senhor Gomez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has signedThe Republican Fress insults the King and demands the dismissal of his Ministers. The garrison, of Goa has been ordered to Mozambique. London, January 13 It is rumoured that England will seize the Delagoa Bay railway unless reparation is made by Portugal. lusbon, January 14 Three thousand people attacked the British Consulate, and 50 were arrested. The Ministry has resigned, and the city is now quieter. The Governor of Mozambique has been ordered to immediately execute England’s wishes with reference to the withdrawal of Portuguese officials and troops from the Shire River and Mash on ah and. Excited crowds throng the streets of t he city cheering the other Foreign Legations. Senhor Peniental is engaged in forming a new Ministry.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, January 10. The statement is confirmed that England declines to have recourse to arbitration. Lord Salisbury insists on the supreme control of the Lake Nyassa region. London, January 11. A summary of the reply of the Portuguese Government to Lord Salisbury’s memorandum on the Zam besi difficulty has been cabled to the Premier. It is understood that the effect of the reply is that. Portugal agrees to withdraw her claim to the Nyassa highlands; will restore the status quo and right of way to the sea, and has made a promise of reparation, subject to the result of an inquiry into the matter. Zanzibar, January 11. The British squadron is now steaming south. Libbon, January 13 Mr Petre awaits the reply of the Portuguese Government to the British ultimatum on beard the despatch boat Enchantress, at Vigo Bay. He insists on a categorical acceptance of every demand of Lord Salisbury’s. The Portuguese a''o amazed at the suddenness of the ultimatum, when negotiations were apparently progressing toward settlement. Lisbon, January 13. Rioters are parading the streets crying “ Viva Pinto.”