Web - Commons Debates - 4 March 1889 - MR. ALEX. M'ARTHUR (Leicester)  asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's 828 Government have made any inquiry, or obtained any information, concerning the murder of Mr. Brooks, an English missionary, which it was reported took place at M'Kanga, a few miles from the East African Coast, on the 21st of January; and whether, in view of the fact that numerous missionaries are still peacefully engaged in their work and enjoying the confidence of the Native tribes beyond the disturbed coast-line, Her Majesty's Government have taken any steps to explain to the chiefs and people of the disturbed districts that England is not to be regarded by the Natives of the East African Coast as a belligerent Power, and especially that she has no responsibility for the methods which have been pursued by the officers of the German East African Company.  MR. BURDETT-COUTTS (Westminster) : Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the Question, I should like to ask him if it is not the fact that the Imperial British East African Company has, by its prudent conduct and enterprise, established harmonious and peaceful relations with all the Native tribes with which it has come in contact?  THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON, Manchester, N.E.) : The information received by Her Majesty's Government respecting the murder of Mr. Brooks is precisely of the same character as that which has appeared in the newspapers. The unfortunate gentleman lost his life through incautiously approaching the disturbed coast, in spite of warnings as to the danger of so doing. The remaining missionaries in the interior will, it is to be hoped, be warned by Mr. Brooks's fate, and will not venture into such districts. This would insure their safety better than an intimation of the character suggested, the success of which, if it were expedient to make it, would be very doubtful. In answer to my hon. Friend, I am glad to be able to say that the relations of the British East Africa Company have been of the character which he describes. They have shown great prudence in their proceedings, and have, for the most part, avoided all disputes with the natives.