Excellency already knows that the considerations that influenced the decisions of the Chamber were based on the nature of the measures for the suppression of the slave trade by sea.
"Hence, it is self-evident that, much to our regret, we will not find it possible to effect, within the prescribed time limit, that is, by the 2d of this month, the ratification of the agreements prepared by the Conference.
"Consequently, my Government can see no reason for my attending the meeting, the notice of which Your Excellency has been good enough to send me, since those of my colleagues who are to participate in it either have already received the instruments of ratification or can announce that they will receive them very soon.
"I avail myself of this opportunity, etc. (S.) A. Bourée."
Baron Lambermont stated that the Chargé d'Affaires of Portugal at Brussels had informed the Belgian Government that, in view of the decision of the French Chamber, the Parliamentary Commission had decided, for its part, to postpone taking a vote on the law approving the Brussels General Act. The Portuguese Government did not think it could do otherwise than accept the opinion of the Parliamentary Commission; and, while affirming its humanitarian sentiments and good will it did not think that, under the present circumstances, there was any reason for it to be represented at the meeting on July 2.
In view of the situation created by the above-mentioned acts and statements, the Assembly, sincerely desiring to see a unanimous agreement reached between the Powers, decided that the time limit prescribed by Article XCIX of the General Act for the deposit of the ratifications should be extended to a time that would be fixed by mutual agreement as soon as the Powers whose Representatives either were not present at the meeting or lacked the necessary official powers signified their approval of the extension.
This Protocol will remain open to them for that purpose for a period of ten days.
Before adjourning, the Assembly expressed the desire that the Government of His Majesty the King of the Belgians request and receive the approvals mentioned in the preceding paragraph and take steps, after obtaining them, to bring about an understanding between the Powers with respect to the duration of the extension.
The Representatives of Belgium will communicate this two-fold desire to their Government and do not doubt that it will be granted.
In witness whereof, this Protocol has been drawn up, and a certified copy thereof will be sent by the Government of His Majesty the King of the Belgians to each of the other Powers that have ratified the General Act and the Declaration of July 2, 1890.
