HC Deb 09 February 1863 vol 169 c187
COLONEL SYKES

said, he desired to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether, as permission is given, by a notification in the Gazette of January 13th, to British Officers to accept Commissions in the service of the Emperor of China, similar permission extends to British Officers and British Subjects to accept Commissions in the service of the Taeping Emperor or his Government?

MR. LAYARD

said, that in answer to the lion, and gallant Member he would beg leave to state that permission had not been given to British Officers to hold commissions in the service of the Taeping Emperor, with whom the Government had not the honour of being acquainted.