We regret that we can only give a very short
summary of Lord Percy's reply, but we are glad to record that its general tone was excellent. There was no attempt made to minimise the gravity of the issue, or seek any technical excuses why our Government should not give the whole matter the fullest consideration. In view of all the facts, and looking at the findings of the Congo Courts themselves, it was impos- sible, he declared, to resist the conclusion either that the Congo Government were afraid of the revelations which an independent inquiry might disclose, or that they were not willing to take effective steps to reform a system which made the continuance of atrocities possible. The Government were anxious that any representation made to the Congo Government should have an international character, but they had found that most of the signatories of the Berlin Treaty were unwilling to join them in such a representation. The latest reply from the Congo State contained, however, a promise to hold an investigation into the charges against the local administration. Though we wish that a more resolute attitude had been taken up by our Govern- ment, it is satisfactory to find that they fully realise the nature of the Congo State, and, even if timid, are anxious to do what they can to stop atrocities which, it is not too much to say, are capable of jeopardising white rule in Africa.
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