HC Deb 15 February 1884 vol 284 cc1022-3
MR. MONTAGUE GUEST

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is a fact that no definite steps have as yet been taken towards the appointment of the arbitrators whom it was understood, when the Consular Jurisdiction was abolished in Tunis, would meet to decide on the claims of British subjects against the French Government; and, whether it is not true to say that some eighty cases are now waiting to be decided which involve very considerable claims?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Those claims only which involve pecu- niary demands, and which cannot be amicably adjusted, are to be referred to arbitration. Lord Granville has already taken steps with a view to the selection of an arbitrator on behalf of Her Majesty's Government. According to a Return recently furnished by Her Majesty's Agent and Consul General in Tunis, between 70 and 80 cases of more or less importance are now awaiting decision.