3-085-848 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, reading the telegrams from West Africa in the House of Commons, 1898. '"I can read to the House the telegrams which I have received, but I must leave it to the House to appreciate their importance." French Aggressions in West Africa. Much excitement has prevailed since the news received on Friday last of French subaltern officers in command of detachments of negro soldiery pursuing a course of aggressive movements within the British territories of the interior, The French Colonial Government has denied that the Lagos Hinterland or the British sphere of control over the Lower Niger region includes those inland countries beyond the ninth degree of north latitude and west of the Niger. French expeditions have thereupon been sent to occupy the native towns of Nikki, Boussa on the Niger, Kiama, and Boria, at which last-mentioned place they have now met a party under British command, and have called upon it to haul down the British flag. This disagreeable incident, which was announced by Mr. Chamberlain last Friday night...took place on Feb. 9...A French officer with 30 Sengalese native soldiers in the French colonial services then arrived; the removal of the flag was demanded, and was refused'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.