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| Imperialism |
Colonial Policy | [P|S|M] |
Reichstagsakten 1888/89, 7. Lp., Vol. 121, Attachment 41: Collection of Documents pertaining the Uprising in East Africa, No.8: Report from the Imperial consul general on Zanzibar
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Zanzibar, September 23rd 1888
arrived Berlin October 22nd 1888
The district chiefs of the Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Gesellschaft in Lindi and
Mikindani have both reported that a lively trade in slaves is going on in their
towns, undertaken on dhows sailing under French flag. The owners have their
dhows registrate in part here, in part in Madagascar, on Nossi Be, partially in
Obock, and thus gain the right to sail under the French flag, and thus are
protected from control measures undertaken by the British naval vessels in these
waters, undertaken to suppress the slave trade. From Lindi alone every year
thousands of slaves shall have been shipped in this way to Zanzibar, Muscat and
Madagascar.
Article 9 of the Congo Act not regarded, we have a special interest in the
suppression of this abuse. Because of the extraterritoriality of the dhows
sailing under French flag the Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Gesellschaft is powerless.
At the request of Herr Vohsen, I have drawn the attention of the French consul
Mr. Lacau to these slave transports conducted under the French flag, and asked
for his cooperation in removing this evil. Mr. Lacau was willing to bring the
matter to the attention of his government and to inform the commander of the
Indian naval station; he asked for further details such as the names of the
dhows, the port of their registration etc. in order to make it easier for the
French authorities to interfere. As soon as I get these informations, I will
place them at his disposal.
I humbly leave it to your judgment to bring up the matter in Paris.
signed Michahelles
to His Excellency Prince von Bismarck
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