§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign 925 Affairs, Whether Her Majesty's Government will use their influence to prevent British ships or other ships laden with cargoes for England, which may sail from Odessa and other Black Sea ports in the event of an armistice, from being seized at the Bosphorus; and, whether there will be any objection to lay upon the Table Papers referring to the alleged ineffectiveness of the Turkish Black Sea blockade, the issue of "passes," and the seizure of neutral ships at the Bosphorus?
§ MR. BOURKEI am sorry that the hon. Baronet has had the trouble of putting the Question. I know there are a great number of hon. Members in the House who are extremely anxious to be informed on this matter. Papers are now before the Law Officers of the Crown; and I think it would be more satisfactory to the hon. Baronet and to the House generally if I were to make no statement until we receive these Papers. I may say generally that the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to this important subject, and they will do their very best to provide protection for British commerce in respect of the points which may arise. As to the second Question, there will be no objection to lay the Papers on the Table.