Printed paper on 'Occupation', giving the position on 'annexation' and 'settlement' of a 'civilised State' in international law, with a section on 'The West African Conference of 1884-1885', and a reference to 'the original uncivilised inhabitants'.

A significant document, providing a clear exposition of the late-Victorian colonialist position on the two branches of occupation: annexation and settlement. Untraced. T. J. Lawrence of Downing College is the probable author, as the section on 'annexation' also features in his 'Handbook of Public International Law' (1890). 1p., 8vo. Printed in landscape on one side of a piece of unwatermarked laid paper. In fair condition, lightly-aged and creased. The document begins: 'Occupation in International Law applies only to territory not previously held by a civilised State. It may be described as (a) annexation plus (b) settlement.' After describing these two aspects, the document presents a two-part 'Note', the first part referring to 'the first discoverers' and the second part stating 'That International Law gives no rights as against the occupying State to the original uncivilised inhabitants, though justice and humanity demand that they should be treated far better than they generally are.' Next follows a section, in five parts, concerning 'Rules as to the Extent of Territory gained by Occupation'. The final section, in two parts, concerns 'The West African Conference of 1884-1885.'