§ MR. HANBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true that the Russians have commenced to block up one of the principal mouths of the Danube by sinking stones and ships in opposition to the remonstrance of the International Commission; and, whether it is intended to direct the attention of the Government of Russia to such a breach of the public law of Europe, as declared by the Treaties of 1856 and 1871?
§ MR. BOURKEIn answer to my hon. Friend I have to state that the British Danube Commissioner has reported that four vessels of the nature described in the Question have been sunk in the Sulina mouth of the Danube, and that, consequently, only a depth of four feet is left now for the navigation. When this came to the knowledge of Her Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburg, he immediately expressed a wish and hope to the Russian Government that measures would be taken to prevent the obstruction of the navigation of the Danube. Papers on 1527 the subject will be laid on the Table of the House. I may also mention that the British Commissioner at the Danube has been authorized to join in any protest that may be made by his Colleagues, the other Commissioners, which they think it right to make on the subject. He had also been instructed to make detailed reports, and the matter will receive the serious consideration of the Government from time to time.