Chargé Carter to
the Secretary of State.
American Embassy,
London, December 14,
1906.
No. 296.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
translation of your telegram, dated the 10th instant and received at
this embassy on the morning of the 11th, respecting affairs in the
Kongo, and also a translation of my telegram in reply thereto of the
12th instant.
In this connection I have the honor to inclose herewith a clipping from
the Times of this date reporting a reply made by Sir Edward Grey in the
House of Commons to a question put by Mr. Alden, the member for
Middlesex, as to whether there would be an international conference to
consider the situation in the Kongo Free State. It will be perceived
that the answer mentioned was doubtless based upon the information which
I conveyed to him at your instance.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Memorandum.a
The President, moved by deep interest shown by all classes of the
American people in the amelioration of conditions in the Kongo
State, has observed with keen appreciation the steps which His
Majesty’s Government are considering toward that humanitarian end.
The American Government would be glad to have such information as to
the course and scope of action as Great Britain may contemplate
under the provisions of the general act of the Kongo, having in view
the information which His Majesty’s Government may have acquired
concerning the conditions in Central Africa, it being the desire of
the President to contribute by such action and attitude as may be
properly within his function toward the realization of whatever
reforms may be counseled by the sentiments of humanity and by the
experience developed by the past and present workings of the
administration of the Kongo.
[Page 795]
The President’s interest in watching the trend toward reform is
coupled with the earnest desire to see the full performance of the
obligations of articles 2 and 5 of the general Africa slave-trade
act of Brussels of July 2, 1890, to which the United States is a
party, in all that affects involuntary servitude of the natives.
[Inclosure 2.]
[The Times, Friday, December 14,
1906.]
The Kongo.
Sir E. Grey, replying to a question by Mr. Alden (Middlesex,
Tottenham) as to an international conference to consider the
situation in the Kongo Free State, said:
“The plan of summoning an international conference has not
specifically been mentioned. But the United States Government have
recently intimated their desire to contribute to the realization of
whatever reforms may be counseled by sentiments of humanity, and by
the experience of past or present administration in the Kongo State.
As the honorable member is no doubt aware, such an announcement is
most cordially welcomed by His Majesty’s Government. But, pending
the decision to which Belgium may soon come, it is unnecessary to
make any further statement at the moment.”
