§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Swedish Government have withdrawn the exequatur of the British Vice Consul at Stockholm; and, if so, whether he is aware of any grounds for such withdrawal; and, whe- 41 ther he has seen a letter published recently in a Swedish newspaper in which the British Vice Consul at Goth land attacks the British Consul at Stockholm?
§ MR. BOURKEThe Swedish Government have not withdrawn, but have given notice of their intention to withdraw their recognition of the British Vice Consul at Stockholm. Inquiries are being made into the circumstances which have led to this step on the part of the Swedish Government. Her Majesty's Government have abstained from making any comment on the subject pending the result of these inquiries. I had not seen the letter alluded to by the hon. Baronet before he was good enough to send it to me; but I may state that owing to circumstances which have lately occurred the Vice Consul's letter of appointment has been cancelled.