British policy in relation to Portuguese claims in West Africa 1876 to 1884

Abstract

The period 1876 to 1884 lies between the time when European Governments showed but slight interest in Africa and the years of the 'Scramble' for that continent. It saw the work of the International Association, financed by the King of the Belgians, the explorations of de Brazza towards the Congo from the French colony of Gaboon and the realisation by Bismarck of the far-reaching issues involved in the Congo Question. As British Ambassador in Portugal from 1876 to l88l, Robert Morier strongly urged the settlement of all questions in dispute between Great Britain and Portugal overseas and the establishment of increased British influence in Africa, both directly and indirectly through Portugal. That country claimed rights of sovereignty on the West Coast of Africa from 5°12' to 8° South latitude but, largely because of the prevalence of the Slave Trade in Portuguese possessions, Great Britain had refused to recognise these claims. Morier's attempts to bring about a reversal of this decision failed but the French advance towards the Congo caused the British Government to change its attitude. After the ratification, in November 1882, by the French Government of the Treaty signed by de Brazza with the native chief on Stanley Pool, Great Britain re-opened negotiations with Portugal on the bases of the recognition by her of the traditional claims of Portugal and the opening, on certain conditions, of Portuguese colonies to the trade of all nations. After long and tedious negotiations the Congo Treaty was finally signed on 26 February 1884 by representatives of Great Britain and Portugal. As a result of the refusal of Germany and of France to recognise its terms, the Treaty remained unratified but, in its place, a wider settlement of African questions was worked out at the Berlin Conference, November 1884 to February 1885. Great Britain's policy of opening up to the trade of all nations hitherto closed areas in Africa was accepted but not her exclusive attitude of settling by herself questions which affected other European nations.