HC Deb 09 July 1863 vol 172 cc438-9
MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

said, he rose to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true, that while Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Japan has sent an Ultimatum to the Japanese Government declaring War if the reparation demanded for certain grievances is not granted, he has at the same time announced to the British residents at Yokahama that there is not a sufficient force at present in Japan to guarantee perfect safety to the Foreign community in the event of an attack in force by the Japanese; and that British residents at Yokahama were therefore individually advised to adopt such measures for their security as might be in their power, so as to be prepared for the contingency of hostilities being decided on?

MR. LAYARD

replied that every possible means would be adopted to afford protection to all British subjects in Japan in the event, which he trusted would be avoided, of war commencing. At the same time, in a scattered population like that of the British in Japan, it had been thought advisable that Her Majesty's subjects there should be acquainted with the state of things, and communication had accordingly been made to them warning them that war might arise, and advising them to take every means in their power to provide for the safety of themselves and their property. He believed that this was a common precaution, and one always taken under such circumstances.

MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

That is not an answer to my Question. Was it not stated to the inhabitants that there was not a sufficient force to protect them in the event of hostilities?

MR. LAYARD

Of course it would be very difficult to protect individuals so much scattered about; and it was a precautionary measure to put them on their guard.

COLONEL SYKES

rose, amid cries of "Order!" and was understood to put a Question.

MR. WHITE

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, I wish to ask—["Order, order!"] It is in reference to Japan. ["Order!"]

MR. DISRAELI

said, he rose to a point of order. He was sure that great inconvenience would arise from a number of Questions being put to Ministers at the same time. This had arisen from the experience on the old Motion of moving the adjournment on Friday; but it would be much more convenient that Questions should be asked and answered separately.

MR. WHITE

My Question has reference to Japan, and had reference to the question put by the hon. Member (Mr. Baillie Cochrane), The Question I Was about to ask is this—Whether, as we have had letters from Japan up to the 30th of May last, the Government has been informed a further time has been given to the Japanese for replying to the British Ultimatum? I have heard of a delay of ten days.

MR. LAYARD

I am not aware that any such intimation has been received. I was at the Foreign Office an hour ago, and at that time such information had not been received.