New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-09
BRITAIN AND THE CONGO.
Desire for Special Commission-Mr.
Easement Upheld.

London June S-The correspondence relating TO
the administration of the Congo Independent state
was issued this evening. II contains the Congo
governments preliminary reply TO the report OK
Roger Easement, British Consul in the Congo State
who in December. 1898 after tour OF investisa-
ton. under the orders OF the British government
fully confirmed the worst reports of outrages per-
petrated on natives OF that part Of Africa
The Foreign Secretary Lord LansdoWne, &C
knovsledged the reply. under date Of April 70. and
expressed satisfaction at the fact that an inquiry
would be made into the allegations Lord Lans-
downe said that the names OF persons, places and
dates were suppressed IN the publication OF Consul
Easements report not from a lack OF confidence In
the central government at Brussels but because
such particulars If furnished, would be accesslois
TO officials in the Congo TO whom abuses are at
tributeG. They would thus have an opportunity Oh
exercising pressure ths witnesses or OF con-
ceaIing the evidence Of their malpractices
Lord Iansdowne mentioned instance IN which
certain witnesses have already disappear71 ne
asked the Congo government 70 accep- 1u'l re-
sporsib!lity for the manner in which detailed IN
formation would be used il furnished he also
asked the Congo government to communicate 10
the British government the measures that would
be adopted 10 protect witnesses
The Congo government May Il protested
against the refusal OF the British government ~
Furnish Consul Easements report complete CIV
ing the names Of witnesses. and renewed us re-
quest for full particulars contained In MI. Case-
uent's repor. as essential for carrytcs on. an II
vestization The disappearance OF the witnesses
cited hv Lord LansdoWue proved nothing. the
Congo government said. because the witnesses
nrobably disappeared after having given false eVi
4a,cs TO Easement The Congo governTne Il omit
ted 70 give an acceptance OF responsibility as asked
by Lord Lanstowne-
Lord Iars1ovlle, under date or June O. stated
the British government must have an adequate
guarantee that the information contained IN MI
~asenneat's report would not be accessible 10 the
persous whose conduct was impugned oelore
measures were taken 10 shield the witnesses
The Foreig. Secretary added that In the pecuHar
circumstances which have arisen strict impair tla-
nv will hardly be attributed 70 an Investigation
conducted solely by the officers OF the Congo state
o. the agents Of concessionary companies and
that the result would not be likely 10 carry con-
,,ictio, 10 tho degree that seemed to be essential
Lord Iansdowne in conclusion suggested the aP-
r,i- tr,ert OF a special commission. composed IN
ar+ 81 nersons not connected with the Congo state
uncovered 10 collect evidence and take measures
for rhe protection OF witnesses II such eonrnis-
sion we're appointed. the British government would
ha nrepared TO place at its disposal all ln1orula-
,,, raenecting The affairs OF the Congo. and would
gfye n every assistance confidently oelleV!hs lle
g. {rJanenderr commission would elicit the truth
and effect a settlement -, .-as,or4aoca
In a letter accompanying the correspondence:
7 - 7 aDsdOwue closely reviewed the answer OK
The Congo government 10 Mr.. easements report
IIDboIdinE Mr. Easement and Affirming tha nIS N
vestigatio was proper. and the results re4EtO'e III
every particular