SIR JOHN HAYsaid, the House would recollect that during the negotiations of the Treaty of Peace between France and Germany it was reported that Pondicherry was about to be claimed by Germany with a view to exchange it for Heligoland. Again, within the last few days, German newspapers, which were supposed to be well informed, had asserted that other arrangements were in contemplation by which Heligoland should be ceded by this country to Germany. He therefore wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he will inform the House whether there is any foundation for the statement that proposals have been made in regard to a cession of Heligoland; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have given these proposals any consideration?
§ VISCOUNT ENFIELDI am able, Sir, to inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman that no proposal has been received for the cession of Heligoland to Germany, and that there is no Correspondence on the subject.