§ MR. MAGUIREsaid, he rose to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he is aware if the seizure of the Chincha Islands by Spain has led to demonstrations of sympathy, or offers of material aid, in favour of Peru, on the part of any and what other States of South America; and if he is aware whether the Republic of Equador has proffered the use of the Harbour of Gua- 1903 yaquil or other assistance to the Spanish authorities?
§ MR. LAYARDsaid, in reply, that the seizure of the Chincha Islands had, no doubt, caused great excitement and demonstrations of sympathy among the other States of South America, and he believed that one or two of these States, including Venezuela, had declared that if these Islands were permanently taken possession of by Spain they were prepared to give material aid to Peru. But the Spanish Government stated they had no intention of retaining the Islands, and that as soon as certain claims which they had upon the Peruvian Government were satisfied, they would restore them to their original owners. He understood that the Republic of Equador had offered the use of the Harbour of Guayaquil to both parties for the purpose of coaling and refitting their vessels.