§ MR. MONTAGUE GUESTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been directed to the importance of the position occupied by the French at Bizerta, which 1662 affords one of the finest harbours in the Mediterranean, and commands the Malta Channel; and, if they will ask for further assurances from the French Government that it is not their intention to hold it permanently?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEHer Majesty's Government are aware of the importance of Bizerta as a position; but it is doubtful whether even a large expenditure on the dredging of the lake would make it available as a harbour. The permanent occupation of Bizerta would be quite outside of the statement as to the objects of the French expedition which was made to Lord Lyons by the French Minister for Foreign Affairs.
§ MR. MONTAGUE GUESTsaid, that he had reliable authority for stating that an expenditure of £100,000 would make the harbour a perfect one.