We may assume that some understanding exists between England and Germany which contemplates a division of the Portuguese colonial possessions, but has never become _publici juris_.
It cannot, indeed, be certain that England, if the contingency arrives, would be prepared honestly to carry out such a treaty, if it actually exists.

She might find ways and means to invalidate it.

It has even been often said, although disputed in other quarters, that Great Britain, after coming to an agreement with Germany about the partition of the Portuguese colonies, had, by a special convention, guaranteed Portugal the possession of _all_ her colonies.
Other possible schemes may be imagined, by which some extension of our African territory would be possible.

These need not be discussed here more particularly.

If necessary, they must be obtained as the result of a successful European war.