GERMANY AND THE PORTUGUESE COLONIES IN AFRICA.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.".1 SIR,—I have just seen a copy of your• issue of November 2nd. In your article on " The International Situation " you suggest that Germany should, in certain circumstances, become the owner of the greater part of Portuguese Africa. You do not state what you mean by "the greater part," but if this is intended to include that portion of Portuguese East Africa in which Beira and Delagoa Bay are situated, I wish to offer a strong protest. Beira, as you are aware, is the natural port for a considerable part of Southern Rhodesia; and Delagoa Bay is the port for a part of the Transvaal. Consequently, if this piece of land ever leaves Portuguese hands, I would urge that it is the duty of British statesmen to consider no sacrifice too great to obtain possession of it.—I am, Sir, &c., [Our correspondent is apparently not aware of, or has forgotten, the so-called "secret" treaty with Germany, under which it is agreed that if for any reason Portugal is unable to maintain her African colonies, Delagoa Bay and Beira are to become British. It may also be remembered that in assenting to the award which assigned Delagoa Bay to us we reserved the right to repossess it if Portugal ever gave up her posses- sinn.—ED. Spectator.]
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