HC Deb 16 March 1877 vol 233 cc15-6
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I wish, Sir, with the permission of the Chancellor of the Exehequer, to repeat the Question which I put to him on Tuesday last—Whether the Government are in a position to give the House any further information respecting the negotiations in the affairs of Turkey?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, at the present moment the situation is this—We have received from the Russian Government a proposal to join in a Protocol which shall embody the views of the Powers as to the situation in the East. The draft of this Protocol, as proposed by the Russian Government, was given to my noble Friend Lord Derby on Sunday last. It has been considered by the Government, and certain modifications in the language have been proposed. These amendments have been placed in the hands of the Russian Ambassador, who could, how- ever, only receive them ad referendum, and who is now awaiting further instructions from his Government on the subject.