The Colonial Office has issued fresh papers about the German
annexation of Angra Pequena, which, however, do not explain the main question,—How did it happen that the Colonial Office did not believe that the German Government would annex P Lord Derby does, indeed, tell Sir Hercules Robinson that in 1880 Count Munster declared annexa- tion " out of the question ;" but that was four years ago. No one can read these papers without a conviction that the true reason of British delays, both in South Africa and Aus- tralia, was Lord Derby's notion that, as Prussia had never acquired Colonies, Germany never would. That shows great ignorance, for not only was it known in London that the Ger- man Press was urging Colonial settlements, especially in the 7acific, but it was known at Melbourne that German agents everywhere were advocating the " raising of the flag." It is clear, from the papers, that Lord Derby intended to allow the Cape to occupy the coast South of Walfisch Bay, and that he was amazed at being anticipated. He was, in fact, com- pletely out-generalled, and this in consequence of want of accurate information.
