ABSTRACT
This chapter is a compilation of Memorandum on the question of the Delagoa Bay Railway. In 1875 a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce was concluded between Portugal and the South African Republic. By a Protocol annexed to it, Portugal engaged to assist in the construction of a line from Lourenco Marques to the frontier of the South African Republic, by giving to any substantial Company formed for that purpose a subvention equal to half the estimated cost, with sundry other privileges. In March 1887 the Portuguese Government informed Van Blokland (the Transvaal Minister to Germany, Portugal, and Holland) that the Company was now in a position to proceed with the construction, and that therefore they could no longer pursue negotiations with other persons respecting the Concession. On the 11th June, 1891, a Treaty was concluded between Great Britain and Portugal for the purpose of settling the grave questions that had arisen between the two Powers in Africa.
