HC Deb 24 April 1884 vol 287 cc466-7
MR. GORST

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he can make any statement to the House as to the present position of the negotiations with the French Government in relation to the deportation of criminals to the Western Pacific; whether any communications have passed between Her Majesty's Government and the German Government upon the subject; and, whether any Papers on the subject will be laid upon the Table?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Her Majesty's Government is awaiting a communication from the French Government on this subject; but it would not be advisable at the present moment to make any statement or lay Papers upon the Table. No communications have passed between the German and English Governments on the subject.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether his attention has been called to the following statement of the Paris correspondent of The Standard on Wednesday:— I am assured that Her Majesty's Government has been officially informed, through the regular diplomatic channel, viâ M. Waddington and Lord Granville, that the right of transporting convicts to French colonies is a matter that concerns France alone, with which no Foreign Power has anything to do (une affaire d'ordre purement intérieur); and, whether he still adheres to the statement that no communication has been addressed by the French Government to Her Majesty's Ministers upon this subject?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have seen the paragraph. The answers I have already given to the hon. Member are quite correct.