§ MR. GOURLEYsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If any negotiations have been or are intended to be entered into with his Royal Highness the Sultan of Turkey, or with His Highness the Viceroy of Egypt, relative to the navigation of the Suez Canal by vessels of the British Naval and Mercantile Marine; if so, the terms upon which British and Foreign vessels are to have the use of it?
MR. OTWAYsaid, in reply, that he would reply to the latter part of the Question of the hon. Member first. The 6th Article, regulating the concession to M. Lesseps, provided for the equality of the tariff for all nations in the navigation of the Suez Canal. No negotiations had been entered into with the Sultan or the Viceroy of Egypt on the subject; 1665 but, as his hon. Friend was aware, the opening of the Suez Canal was a matter of deep interest and importance to many nations, and to none more than our own. It was impossible, therefore, to say that no negotiations would occur on the subject.