HC Deb 25 February 1884 vol 284 cc1864-5
MR. SLAGG

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government can afford any further information as to the crew of the Nisero, wrecked four months ago on the coast of Acheen; and, whether any result has followed the negotiations of the agent of the Governor of the Straits Settlements on their behalf?

MR. CHARLES PALMER

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has any further information respecting the crew of the Nisero; and, if not, whether he expects any which may relieve the prolonged and painful anxiety of the numerous friends of the imprisoned men in Sumatra; and, whether it is not intended to take active measures to secure the deliverance of a British shipwrecked crew now held in captivity by a semi-barbarous chief?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, in reply to the first Question, and to that of my hon. Friend the Member for North Durham, I may state that the crew of the Nisero having been sent into the interior subsequent to the operations of the Dutch expedition, Her Majesty's Government are not in possession of any recent information respecting them. They have not as yet heard the result of the negotiations which have been entrusted to the agent nominated by Governor Weld with a view to obtain the liberation of the prisoners, and until this is the case Her Majesty's Government would not think it advisable to take any active measures.