THE CONGO.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13664, 5 August 1908, Page 5

THE CONGO.

PROMISES BY BELGIUM. TREATMENT OF NATIVES. Press Assodation-By Telegraph-Copyright Received 9.30 p.m. August 4th. - LONDON,' August; 4y Owmg to the Belgian Government promising to improve the treatment of the : Congolese, Especially* by increasing thenliberty to labour i and ■ their right'-to: disposes of the produce of itlieir lands, the British Government, will not insist on the abolition of the system of -paymg taxes in' labour within--a. -specified time. Belgium ,:al6o -undertakes after *anneicatit)'n, to favourably entertain a proposal to arbitrate in | regai'd to the interpretation of the Commercial ; Convention - binding upon' the Cohgo State. Tn a dispatch dated March 27, ad- . dresed to the: British' -Minister at Brussels, the Foreign -Secretary--gives the view of the British Governmeiit on the' treaty ; obligations- of ihe Congo.-State, - and whatreforms are -necessary. Whilst disclaiming idea; of- interference^-and -crediting' . tbe Belgian Government with : an earnest desire -to .. introducer: thorough-,; ynd - far-' reaching reforms, "i Majesty's"; Government feel that in fairness -they- 1 should leave the Belgian; Government in no doubt that in -their opinion- th'e existing administration.; of,the, .Congo State .bats' not fulfilled the., objects .for 'which; the iState was originally; recognised; or.-;the"..condi-: tions of treaties, -and that "changes : are therefore, which .would effect the following • objecfej:-—:• : 1. Relief, of,.the, natives ironi eSceesive taxation. 2. The grant to the natives of sufficient land : to ensure' their ability, to obtain not only the food they require, but also sufficient produce of -the soil to enable them Ito buy and sell as 'in other European Colonies. , i 3. The possibility :for tradens whatever their nationality may be to acquire plots of land of reasonable dimensions ■ iil- any : part of the Congo for. the erection of factories so ias to: enable them ; to ; establish direct trade relations- with .tlic natives. :