76 
EUROPE AND AFRICA 
serious problem to afford them protection. Then, too, the 
political situation in South Africa had become easier. Lord 
Derby consulted Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of Cape 
Colony, then in England, who was favorable to an extension 
of jurisdiction; and a letter was dispatched by the Cape 
Ministry dated January 30, 1884, urging the British occupa- 
tion of the region between the Orange River and lat. 26° S., 
on the ground that the “interests of order and civilization 
[would be] best served by annexation.” 
But the British authorities were unwilling to assume the 
responsibilities and expenses incident to such occupation. 
So, on February 3, Derby wired the administrative officer 
at the Cape: “Any prospect of the Cape Government under- 
taking the control of Angra Pequena?” If not, it will “be 
difficult to resist the representation made by the German 
Government that, failing other protection for German sub- 
jects there, they would be compelled to assume jurisdiction 
over the place.” A reply came back on the 6th, asking that 
the matter be kept open, in the absence of the Prime Min- 
ister, until a cabinet meeting could be held. Shortly after- 
wards, a ministerial crisis occurred at the Cape followed by 
an entire change of cabinet; and for three months, unfor- 
tunately, nothing further was done in the matter. 
At length, on May 7, Derby sent an imperative telegram 
to the Cape, demanding a reply at once, if the Colony de- 
sired to see the British jurisdiction extended to Angra 
Pequena and would “accept responsibility and cost” of the 
move. Another delay ensued in order to give the new 
ministry opportunity to study the question carefully; but, 
finally, on May 29, Sir H. Robinson wired Lord Derby that 
the ministry would recommend the Cape Parliament to un- 
dertake the control and cost of extending the British juris- 
diction in Southwest Africa. And on June 2, this decision 
was referred to the Foreign Office with the suggestion that