WEST AFRICA

Papers relative to the liqaor trade in TVest Afirica.

Colonial Office to Ihe Chambers of commerce ofLondon, Livcrpool, Manchester, and Glasgow.

March 10, 1896.

Sir,

Attention having bcen dirccled, both in Parliament and the prcss, to the extent of tho Liquor Trade in our West African possessions, and gcnorally to its effect on their prosperity and on the welfare of the natives, Mr. Secretary Chamberlain has thought itwell to make spécial inquiry into the facts.

2. Mr. Chaniberlain has been favoured with a valunble and interesting report from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, a copy of which is forwarded herewilh.

3. Mr. Chamberlain has aiso had prepared in this office a mémorandum containing ail the most récent information in the possession of the Department with regard to thissubject, and including statistics which may be of use in attempting to mâke an accurate comparison belween the différent colonies and possessions concerned. A copy of this mémorandum is novv transmilted for the information of your Chamber.

4. It cannot but be a matter for serions considération that so large a proportion of the trade and revenue of the West African coast should be cnlirely dépendent upon the importation and sale of liquor, the effect of which, if consumod in excessive quantities by the native population, must bè most prejudicial to their heaith and welfare, and in tho long run detrimental to the interests of commerce. It is not surprising, therefore, that this subject was brought prominently forward on the occasion of the Brussels Conférence, and that OO' that occasion the various European nations represented recognised the necessity for regulating and limiting the trade and arrived at certain conclusions with référence