HC Deb 17 February 1859 vol 152 c472
MR. CRAWFORD

begged to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it was true, as reported, that Her Majesty's Government had concluded a Convention with the Austrian Government for the establishment of a line of Telegraphic Communication with Alexandria, on the principle of a financial guarantee on the part of this country; and, if so, when a Copy of the said Convention will be laid on the table.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, it was not true that Her Majesty's Government had entered into a Convention with the Austrian Government; but the terms on which such a Convention would probably be concluded had been settled, and when the Convention was concluded it would, of course, be laid on the table of the House. If it were carried out on the terms which had been agreed upon it would include a financial guarantee, but not an unconditional guarantee.