Peace Association.

二

VOL. V., No. 64]

REGISTERED FOR TRANSMISSION ABROAD.

UNIVERSAL PEACE CONGRESS, 1890.

Ar the close of the Congress held in June, last year, it was resolved that another gathering of peacemakers, without distinction of creed or country, should be held this year. It devolved upon the Peace Society and our own Association to consult the other Societies in Europe and America as to the place of meeting, and the majority replied that it should be held in London. The fact that the second meeting of the newly constituted Inter - Parliamentary Conference will be held in our Metropolis, in July next, was doubtless one chief reason for the decision.

The two Societies above mentioned at once placed themselves in communication with all the English Societies in London or the Provinces, inviting them to send delegates to a meeting at which an Organising Committee should be constituted. This has been done, and an Executive Committee has been elected from among the members of the General

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Committee to take all the steps necessary to render the Congress successful. A circular will be sent out shortly to all known Societies in Europe and America, inviting them to cooperate, and offering a hearty welcome to such of their members as may be able to be present. It is desired that, so far as our foreign visitors are concerned, a temporary home may be found: them with several of our London friends; and the Hon. Secretaries of the Committee, Mr. Evans Darby and Mr. J. Frederick Green, hope to receive offers of hospitality for our visitors.

The circular will also suggest that the several Societies should invite one or more of their most competent members to prepare papers on the subjects included in the programme of subjects to be discussed at the Congress. As. regards this latter, an outline has already been prepared and is now in the hands of the Executive Committee. Later on in the year, the latest date for sending in communications will be announced, as adequate time must be given for selection and classification. Members of Arbitration and Peace Societies, English and Foreign, are invited to send suggestions and to Letters should be apply for information. addressed to the Hon. Secretaries above named at 47, New Broad Street, E.C.

The exact date of the Congress will be announced so soon as the date of meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference has been settled; for it is thought desirable to hold the one immediately before the other, as many Members of Parliament will desire to attend both gatherings.

ARBITRATION AND THE DISPUTE WITH PORTUGAL.

THE three English Arbitration and Peace Societies have done their duty, and have agreed to hold a conference of the friends of international concord in reference to the pending dispute between England and Portugal. To have done less would not have been creditable, and would have weakened the influence of our societies, small enough already, in inculcating

the principles of international morality. Our first duty is to insist upon a resort to reasonable modes of settlement when this country finds itself involved in a quarrel with another Power. If there is apathy or ill-will on the part of the English public, it becomes all the more incumbent on us to arouse the public conscience, and to do what we can to uphold the national character. How much there is to do may be seen from the tone adopted by a large part of the English press on the present occasion, and from the silence of English churches. So long as these latter neglect to identify themselves with great questions of political morality, and, by their silence, to support national greed and national appeals to brute force-for that is what the ultimatum meant-so long will our public life wear an aspect of selfish materialism. Such a neglect to create a religious spirit in the nation as a whole must weaken the influence of the pulpit, and goes far to explain why, among large sections of the community, it receives so little attention.

In another page will be found a note issued by our Committee, which contains a brief statement of the grounds on which it has been considered desirable to call a conference respecting the duty of the British Government and the people at the present time.

We would especially call attention to the letters of French and Italian friends of England appended to that note, showing the impression which Lord Salisbury's action has left upon the minds even of those who are animated by sentiments of esteem towards our country. Evidence of the same kind is afforded in the letter of our correspondent, M. Léon Marillier, one of the Secretaries of the French Arbitration Society. It would be absurd to disregard the universal condemnation of our violent and hasty course of proceeding towards Portugal, which has found expression not only in France, but also in Germany and Italy. It is said everywhere that if the dispute had been with a powerful State, we should have sought other means of arriving at a settlement-that is, by mediation or arbitration; and that it is a disgrace to England to neglect that course simply because Portugal could make no resistance to a show of force. We fear that there may be some truth in this criticism, but whether true or not, we maintain that a resort to a threat of force in the case of a State like Portugal, while any other mode of settlement remained open, was an act which weakens our national position in the world, To threaten war, instead of to propose a juridical and equitable decision by an impartial court or referee, is not only immoral, but it is impolitic. We are obliged to urge that plea with the middle and upper classes even in "Christian" England, who seem to recognise no moral law in international relations; and

we are sure that the wide-spread dislike felt towards England on the Continent is a source of weakness and danger. A nation, no more than an individual, cannot afford to lose a reputation for justice, honour, and nobility of purpose. The very claims which Englishmen have always made to be more religious, more moral, and, more humane than other people, make foreign observers bitter in denouncing English "hypocrisy" when they find us apparently acting with no other motive than that of self-aggrandisement. Such an opinion must weaken her influence at any great European crisis; and if ever she finds herself engaged in a serious conflict, it means isolation and general alienation.

There are other arguments from the point of view of self-interest why we should seek to apply, more and more, the principle of Arbitration, instead of recognising war as the proper mode of settlement. As the Weekly Dispatch of January 19th has pointed out, "the greatest interest of a manufacturing country, living to a large extent on its foreign trade, is peace. If our customers are impoverished by war, our trade must suffer, and large masses of unemployed be thrown upon our hands.”

The same journal well observes that the need of a permanent tribunal of Arbitration is shown by this dispute with Portugal, for "if such a body existed, even a hasty minister would find a difficulty in passing it by." This we have often urged in these columns, and it is high time that Great Britain or America, or both, took the lead in establishing such a court. Our Association has recently again addressed a communication to the Peace Societies of the States, urging fresh measures for the united action of the two nations; while Mr. W. R. Cremer and his colleagues of the "Inter-Parliamentary Conference" will renew their efforts in the same direction when that body holds its second session in London next summer.

H. P.

UNITED DECLARATION BY THE EUROPEAN PEACE SOCIETIES.

Ar the suggestion of the veteran advocate of the principle of Arbitration, M. Charles Lemonnier, a declaration has been drawn up for united adoption by the Peace Societies of Europe for the settlement of the Anglo-Portuguese dispute by reference to the judgment of impartial and qualified referees.

Our friend did this Association the honour of consulting our Committee as to the form of this document, and gave them full authority to withdraw the draft which he had prepared. We availed ourselves of his courtesy and substituted the one published below, which the

League of which he is President at once accepted.

We concur with him in thinking it to be highly important that the several Peace Societies should, on every occasion like the present, unite in concerted action, so that they may obtain a greater influence over public opinion than is possible when they act singly.

We regret, however, that the Etats Unis de l'Europe in its last issue omitted to call the attention of its readers to the fact that this Association, more than two months ago, adopted resolutions in favour of Arbitration on this question, and sent copies of the same to the two Governments concerned; this action being followed later on by similar action on the part of the Peace Society and of the International Arbitration League. Foreign readers should also know that the daily organs of the Liberal Party, the Daily News and Star, have strongly supported the principles of our Association, to say nothing of many weekly papers.

DECLARATION.

The undersigned, on behalf of the several Peace Societies which they represent, hereby express their earnest hope that, with a view to a just and pacific settlement of the questions. involved in the present dispute between Great Britain and Portugal, the Governments of those nations may agree to refer the same to Mediation or to Arbitration, in harmony with the spirit of the engagement contained in Article 12 of the General Act of the West African Conference, adopted at Berlin on February 26, 1885, to which Act the signatures of the Representatives of the two Powers in question were duly appended.

Further, the undersigned, without entering upon the questions at issue, hereby express their deep regret that the acts of hostility which have occurred between Portuguese officers and certain native Tribes in the disputed Territories in question should have been considered by Her British Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as involving such danger to those Tribes and to British subjects in Southeast Africa as to necessitate the Ultimatum contained in the note addressed to the Portuguese Government on the 10th instant. February, 1890.

(Signed)

Association des Jeunes Amis de la Paix (Nimes.-
CHARLES TOUREILLE, Vice-Président.
Association pour la Neutralisation du Danemark.-F.
BAJER (Député), Président.

Comité de Grenoble de la Ligue Internationale de la

Paix et de la Liberté.-E. SIMON (Avocat), Président. Comité de Paris de la Ligue Internationale, &c.-JULIE TOUSSAINT.

Comité de la Sarthe de la Ligue Internationale, &c.
International Arbitration and Peace Association.-

HODGSON PRATT, Chairman of Committee; J.
FREDK. GREEN, Secretary.

International Arbitration League.-THOMAS BURT,M.P., President; HOWARD EVANS, Chairman of Council; BENJ. BRITTEN, Treasurer; W. RANDAL CREMER, M.P., Secretary.

Ligue Internationale de la Paix et de la Liberté.CH. LEMONNIER, Président.

Section Suisse de la Ligue Internationale, &c.GUSTAVE RENAUD (Député au Grand Conseil), Président.

Société Française de l'Arbitrage entre Nations.—FRED. PASSY, Président.

Société de la Paix du Familistère de Guise.-BERNARDOT, Président.

Société de la Paix perpetuelle par la Justice Internationale. HIPPOLYTE DESTREM, Président.

Les Amis de la Paix du Puy-de-Dome.-A. PARDoux, Président.

Unione Lombarda per la Pace e l'Arbitrato Internazionale.-E. T. MONETA.

The Belgian Section of the International Federation for Peace and Arbitration has forwarded a separate communication to Lord Salisbury in the same sense as the above Declaration.

ANGLO-PORTUGUESE QUESTION.

A Summary of Correspondence between the British and Portuguese Governments which appeared in the "Times" of January 18th, 1890.

ACTS OF PORTUGUESE AGENTS IN MASHONALAND AND THE NYASSA AND SHIRE DISTRICTS. CORRESPONDENCE FROM NOVEMBER 16TH, 1889, TO 13TH JANUARY, 1890.

DECREE of the King of Portugal, of 7th November, establishing a new district (Zumbo) under Portuguese rule on the left bank of Zambesi.

November 21st.-Lord Salisbury points out that new district apparently comprises great part of Mashonaland, immense tracts north approaching frontiers of Congo Free State, and water-shed of Lake Nyassa. Requests Mr. Petre to remind Portugal that Mashonaland is under British influence, and that we cannot recognise claim of Portugal to any part of that territory.

December 6th.-M. d'Antas (Minister in London), encloses translation of letter from Senor Gomez, dated 29th November. This contains Portuguese statement of claim (see letter from M. Reiss, Portuguese Consul at Newcastle, in Times of 2nd January). Lord Salisbury replies 26th December. Points out that Portugal does not assert any occupation in modern times, or that she colonised or governed regions in question. They rest exclusively on historical events; only distinct ground being the session to her of the empire of Monomotapa in 1630. No trace of that Treaty found, and ruined forts no proof of effective dominion. The fact of essential importance is that the territory is not under the effective government or occupation of Portugal. If occupation existed, it has ceased for two centuries. During that time no attempt to govern, civilise, or colonise. No paper annexation of territory valid as a bar to enterprise of other nations. Nor can such claim invalidate the rights of British missionaries and traders acquired by Settlement in Nyassa and Shire Valleys. Nor can it affect the lawfulness of protection long since extended by Great Britain to Lobengula, and, more recently, to the Makololos.

December 17th.-Salisbury calls attention to the action of Serpa Pinto, in the Makololo country, as reported by Colonel Evan Smith; that after that country had been declared under British protection

and treaties concluded with the chiefs, the Makololos were attacked by Serpa Pinto. Four thousand men, machine guns, and steamers composed his forces, which were at the Ruo junction. It had also been stated that Portuguese authorities had declared war against the Makololos, and intended to retake the whole country up to Lake Nyassa. "Lord Salisbury requests declaration from Government that forces of Portugal be not permitted to attack British settlements on the Shire River and Coasts of Lake Nyassa, or country of the Makololo, cr other country under the protection of Great Britain, and that any officer who has thus acted will be recalled."

December 20th.-Senor Barras Gomez says:-"The disturbed state of these regions is not a matter of recent date," and gives long narrative of incidents, among which that Makololos had closed central road of the Shire; that on June 15th last, Serpa Pinto, who was at Mopea with two engineers, telegraphed to Quillimane that the conflict with Makololos must be avoided; he then pursued journey to Massaange with the engineers. On August 8th the British Consul-General met Serpa Pinto, the former having started from Mozambique with letter of recommendation to all Portuguese officers of the Shire and South Nyassa. On August 23rd Serpa Pinto goes to Quillimane, and the two engineers go to Mupasse with small number of followers. They were attacked by the Makololos under the circumstances previously reported. The engineer Ferras fortifies his position and telegraphs to Serpa Pinto that he apprehended attack by forces from the North; Serpa Pinto goes to Mozambique for assistance. Reference to correspondence between Buchanan and Serpa Pinto, and the reasons why the latter regarded Buchanan's declarations as insufficient to cause the expedition to desist from defence. These declarations were also inconsistent with statements of British Government in Parliament to the effect that this region was not under British protection.

Conclusions of Portuguese Government :-(1) It organised a purely technical expedition, unprovided with men adequate for hostilities, and no objection raised by England at the time. (2) Successful result was marred by disturbances and intrigues. (3) Expedition was attacked during absence of Serpa Pinto, who did not attack. (4) The attack took place south of the mouth of the Ruo. Portugal cannot recognise as the boundary of Mozambique that laid down in treaty of 1884 which was not ratified. Above facts were reported at the time to Great Britain. Information as to above facts has been demanded from Mozambique. There was, it is thought, only one mitrailleuse and one steamer. Assurances that Portugal would never sanction attack on British settlements at Nyassa and the Shire. There was no intention to attack territories of Lobengula, but only to maintain themselves in territory of the Crown of Portugal, and where there are chiefs dependent on Gungunhana.

January 2nd.-Lord Salisbury regrets absence of precise assurances asked for; accounts received of Serpa Pinto incomplete, but explanations given do not invalidate the fact of organised military force going to Makololo country, and in districts on Shire and Lake Nyassa. Position of Great Britain towards native tribes looking for protection and British subjects thereby compromised. As to question whether Makololos attacked, their action was prompted by desire to protect their territory. Moreover, reports from Serpa Pinto mention a campaign in Makololo territory, he declaring Makololos were subdued, and River Shire occupied. Salisbury then declares refusal of Serpa Pinto to recognise declaration of Consul Buchanan,-that the Makololos had been placed under British protection, was opposed to the practice regulating relations of civilised states. Salisbury requires distinct assurance that there will be no attempts to settle territorial

questions by force, or establish Portuguese dominion over districts in which British interests predominate.

January 4th.-Telegram from Consul Churchill, Mozambique.-Pinto tells me that the expedition remains occupying Shire. Several stations will be fortified. Governor appointed to Shire district. The British Company's flag lowered under compulsion.

Lisbon, January 8th.-Senor Barras Gomez regrets that explanations given have not satisfied England; and that the limited force of the first expedition excludes possibility of aggressive intentions. Will issue instructions at Mozambique that no act of force be committed against British settlements on the Shire and Nyassa, or the country of the Makololcs, or countries under Lobengula, or other country where it is alleged that a protectorate has been declared by British Government, and no Portuguese jurisdiction will be established and exercised there without previous agreement between two Governments. Requests similar instructions to their representatives on part of Great Britain. All this preliminary to a definite agreement. Should this reply not satisfy, or agreement not be concluded, Portugal willing to submit all disputes to decision of a conference of the signatory powers of the General Act of Berlin. If this does not satisfy Great Britain, Portuguese Government places itself under shelter of Article 12 of General Act of Berlin, to which it calls the special attention of Great Britain. The contestation of historical rights of Portugal, and the declaration of British protectorate over Shire and Nyassa territories bring them within that Article by which mediation is obligatory and arbitration optional.

Salisbury, January 9th.-Reply of Portugal in principle satisfactory, but not accepted unless Lord Salisbury knows that explicit instructions have been sent to Mozambique applying to acts of force and exercise of jurisdiction past, present, and future. This includes withdrawal, below the Ruo, of forces and authorities in the country of the Makololo and removal of all military stations in Matabeleland and Mashonaland. Asks for copies of instructions sent to Mozambique.

Petre, January 10th.-" Am informed that stringent were orders sent yesterday in the sense desired by Great Britain, and that the forces of Serpa Pinto returned to "Statement inInhampane." Reply of Salisbury. sufficient, for on January 4th, Vice-Consul telegraphed that Serpa Pinto admitted the expedition to be in occupation of the Shire and that several stations of Makololo Country, including Catungas, would be fortified and garrisoned; also that S. D. Andrado was organising an expedition into Mashonaland. Salisbury requires orders to be sent to Mozambique withdrawing all troops on the Shire, in Makololo country or Mashonaland; telegram to be sent, and copy of it to be sent to London. If no satisfactory reply by evening of January 11th, H.M. ship Enchantress (at Vigo) to proceed to Lisbon, whereon the British Minister is to embark, if still no satisfactory answer."

Lord

Mozambique, January 11th.-Consul Churchill telegraphs, "Gazette contains Act of Vindication of Rights. Catunga and other Makololos have sworn allegiance, the Governor declaring to them that Portugal resumed possession of entire Shire basin and region."

Petre, January 11th.-"I explained that this interpre. tation of assurances given as to Portuguese forces in Makololo Land and Mashonaland was inadmissable, and forces must be withdrawn. Instructions to be sent at once. Telegram from the engineer of the expedition was quite at variance with Serpa Pinto's statement to British Consul at Quillimane."

INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR GENERAL OF
MOZAMBIQUE.

January 8th.-Portugal has declared to Great Britain that they will remain in statu quo, namely, not commit any act of force against British settlements on