CONGO ANNEXATION TREATY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6623, 12 September 1908, Page 9

CONGO ANNEXATION TREATY

ADOPTED BY THE SENATE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright BRUSSELS, September 10. The Senate, by 63 votes to 24, ado2>t" od a motion in favour of tho annex® tion of the Congo by Belgium.

The treaty, as approved by tho Belgian Chamber of Deputies last month, includes a provision for the payment, of J.MOOO.QOO to King Deopold of Belgium for hie internet in tho Congo. “The Times” urged that tho Powers' signatory to tlwj treaty should insist before confirming the annexation on tho abolition of such roiled forms of slavery as forced labour. It stated that it would ho difficult to entry out tho Belgian promises, because tho natives* lands had boon soiv-od, and therefore tint natives were compelled to pay taxes by forced labour. “The Times" also urged the signatory Powers to Insist on tho freedom of trade in tho Congo, which has been promised to nil nations. Tho Congo Eefornt Association In the United Slates urged Mr Bliliu Boot, the American Secretary ot State, to insist on tho introduction of free* trade in the Congo and the abolition of forced labour.