HC Deb 20 June 1881 vol 262 cc854-5
THE EARL OF BECTIVE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the French Government has admitted the illegality of searching two British ships on the high seas by the French corvette Leopard; and, if so, whether any reparation has been demanded for these proceedings; and, whether it is true that M. Roustan has withdrawn a charge of wilful murder preferred by him two months ago against a British subject, Mr. Perkins; and, if so, whether any indemnity has been offered to that gentleman, as well as to Mr. Smith and the British Consular Agent at Bizerta, against whom serious accusations were also made?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, the French Government have admitted that the searching of the N. Stellä and S. Maria by the French corvette Léopard was the result of a misconception of his instructions by the officer in command of that vessel, and the officer is no longer on the station. We have not heard, except from the newspapers, that M. Roustan has withdrawn the charge of wilful murder preferred by him against Mr. Perkins, nor that any indemnity has been offered to him. With regard to Mr. Smith, he was asked by the French General what damage was done to him, and he replied that he did not ask for compensation. We know nothing of the case of the British Consular Agent at Bizerta.

THE EARL OF BECTIVE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the attention of the Government has been called to the fact that M. Roustan sent one of his employés a few days ago to accompany the directors of the Societé Marseillaise to treat the Enfida case privately with the Sheik-el-Islam; and, whether, as a matter of fact, M. Levy can now only approach the local authorities through M. Roustan, who at the same time represents French interests in the Enfida case?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, we have not heard that M. Roustan sent one of his employés to accompany the Directors of the Societé Marseillaise to treat the Enfida case with the Sheik-ul-Islam. Mr. Levy and other British subjects will, as heretofore, be able to apply to the British Agent and Consul General in the event of their having business to transact with the Tunisian Government. The question of any inconvenience which may be caused by the double functions discharged by M. Roustan is engaging the attention of the Government.