HC Deb 20 March 1885 vol 296 cc47-8
MR. GORST

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government have recognized the right of French ships of war to detain and search on the high seas British ships bound to Chinese ports and to Hong Kong; whether the German Government has, on the contrary, abstained from recognising similar rights in reference to German ships; and, whether the different action in this respect of the British and German Governments is having the effect of transferring Chinese trade from the British to the German flag? He also wished to ask a further Question of which he had given the noble Lord private Notice—whether he had observed in The Times of yesterday a telegram from Hong Kong as follows:— The right of search interferes seriously with the natural flow of trade. Several English lines discharge at Singapore everything which possibly may be considered contraband destined for Hong. Kong. British steamowners fear the Courts at Saigon, but the German do not. German bottoms are rapidly supplanting the English.

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Her Majesty's Government have recognized the belligerent right of France to search neutral vessels on the high seas for contraband of war destined for China during the existing hostilities. The German Government have made no public notification to the effect stated by the hon. and learned Gentleman, and Her Majesty's Government are not aware that such is their intention. Her Majesty's Government are unable to return an answer to the third Question put by the hon. and learned Gentleman, as they have no information on the points referred to.

MR. GORST

Does Her Majesty's Government recognize the same rights on the part of the Chinese to search English vessels?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The question has not arisen. There has been no public notification.

MR. BOURKE

Will the noble Lord ascertain from the French Government whether that Government has given the same instructions to their officers with respect to German ships as they have with respect to English ships? I do not expect that the noble Lord can give me an answer now. I only ask him to make inquiry.

LORD EDMOND FITZMAUEICE

I will be glad if the right hon. Member will put his Question on the Paper.