The Anglo-Portuguese Convention as to the area of British and
Portuguese influence in Africa has been signed, and, so far as we can judge as yet, appears to be, on the face of it, just and fairly satisfactory to both parties. The Zambesi and its affluents are to be free to the commerce of the world, and not either Portuguese or British rivers. The Shire highlands are to be within the British sphere, and so are Matabeleland and Mashonaland. In fact, Great Britain is to be left alone on the Upper Zambesi. But Zumbo and Tete are left in Portu- guese possession. On the West, Portugal is to be allowed to spread its influence up to the boundary of the Congo Free State. On the East Coast of Africa, the Rovuma is the northern boundary of the Portuguese sphere. From the mouth of this river the boundary runs south to the eastern border of Lake Nyassa down to 13i. of South latitude, and thence along the little chain of southern lakes so as to enclose Tete. Zumbo, though north of the Zambesi, remains to Portugal. The way from Tete to Zumbo is secured to Portugal. Portugal is not to part with any of her possessions south of the Zambesi without first offering them to Great Britain. In all parts of her territories, except on the Zambesi and its affluents, Portugal claims, and we admit, her right of imposing 3 per cent. duties.
