HC Deb 13 December 1878 vol 243 c742
MR. H. SAMUELSON (for Mr. DILLWYN)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to a Reuter's Telegram, which appeared in the morning papers of the 12th of Decr, and dated from St. Petersburg on the 11th, to the effect that Count Münster had proposed to Lord Salisbury that in consideration of the unification of Eastern Roumelia with Bulgaria being permitted England should be allowed to assume the protectorate of Constantinople, and should occupy certain neighbouring positions, that negotiations on this subject still continue; and whether there is any foundation for this statement?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

No, Sir; it has no foundation. There is no truth in the report at all. The German communications were confidential, and they referred merely to questions connected with the carrying out of the Treaty of Berlin.