§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the four Great Powers have withdrawn the protest which they made against the act, which they declared to be an act of financial repudiation made by the Khedive, on the advice of the British Cabinet, in suspending the Sinking Fund contrary to the terms of the Law of Liquidation?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe protest has not been withdrawn. It was identic as regards France, Austria, Germany, and Russia; but in the case of Italy it was couched in different terms, the Italian Government having informed Her Majesty's Government that it was mainly against the form of the proceeding that they thought it necessary to enter a protest.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTWill the noble Lord state whether any reply has been sent by Her Majesty's Government?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEIt is not desirable that I should enter into that matter.