ENGLAND AND FRANCE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1205, 5 April 1895, Page 33

ENGLAND AND FRANCE.

London, March 27. The appearance of the two large French expeditions in the British territory within the Royal Niger Company’s sphere, breaks the convention of 1890. The authorities at Akassa hope that France will immediately recall the expeditions, in order to prevent a collision. Pa® is, March 28. Le Temps explains that the French expedition, whose presence within the Royal Niger Company’s sphere is causing some ( comment in England, is on a peaceful mission, and intends exploring the hinterland of Dahomey. London, March 28. In the House of Commons, Sir E. Grey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Office, said the Government had requested France to explain the nature and intentions of the two expeditions operating within the Royal Niger Company’s sphere in Africa. In reply to another question, Sir E. Grey said England would regard the presence of a French expedition in the Nile Valley as an unfriendly act. London, March 29. In reply to a question, Sir Edward Grey, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Foreign Office, said Germany, Italy and the Congo State had recognised the British sphere on the Upper Nile. The other Powers were aware of Britain’s claims and had never disputed their validity. He had no reason to believe a French expedition was advancing on the Upper Nile. He was not aware whether the French expeditions had yet reached the Niger territory. The news was serious, if true. Sir Edward Grey went on to say that undoubtedly the action of the French in Siam and Africa had caused anxiety and uneasiness to Britain. On her part she had striven to maintain good relations, but if they were to be preserved the c< i-operation of the French Government and people was necessary. The Government was awaiting a reply from the French Government regarding the French expeditions in British territory in West Africa, and the Imperial Government was determined to maintain its position. The statement created a profound impression in the House, and the press approves the firmness of the tone adopted by the Government.

Mr Labouchere, speaking on the subject, said he regarded the speech of Sir E. Grey as a menace to France. London, March 30. The Economist urges a British expedition to proclaim possession of the Nile waterway from Uganda to the border of the Mahdi’s territory. Paris, March 29. The French newspapers, referring to Sir E. Grey’s statements respecting the French expeditions, declare them to be empty swagger. The French Minister for the Colonies intends to reply to the statements in the Chamber of Deputies. London, April 2. Sir E. Grey, in reply to another question in the House of Commons, said the negotiations with France respecting the Upper Nile territory began last year. While the British claims to the Nile valley continued, England would not permit the Mahdi to oust Egyptian rights, nor would Turkey’s claim be ignored. Paris, April 2. A section of the French press urge arbitration upon the conflicting claims of England and France in Africa. No reply has yet been sent to Lord Kimberley’s enquiries on the subject addressed to the French Government.